ENGLISH
REFERENCE

euthanasia

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌjuθəˈneɪʒə// UK //jˌuːθɐnˈeɪziə// eu·thana·sia Archaic Humorous

n. the act of ending a person's life in a painless way to stop them from suffering. This is usually done when someone has a disease that cannot be cured.

n. the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, typically in the context of a terminal illness. Often discussed in legal and ethical frameworks regarding the right to die.


SIMPLE

The country debated the ethics of euthanasia for months.

CONTEXTUAL

Medical professionals often face complex moral dilemmas when patients request euthanasia to avoid the final stages of a terminal disease.

COMPLEX

Legislative bodies worldwide remain deeply divided over euthanasia, balancing the principle of individual autonomy against the state's interest in protecting the sanctity of life.

Origin

First attested in 1606, from Ancient Greek εὐθανασία (euthanasía), from εὐ- (eu-, “good”) + θάνατος (thánatos, “death”)

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; can be countable when referring to specific legal instances or different methods.

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