noun

eugenics

yoo-JEN-iks/juːˈdʒenɪks/

The discredited practice of controlling human reproduction to promote supposedly desirable inherited traits.

The exhibit examines the harms of eugenics and forced sterilization.

A historical pseudo-scientific human pedigree selection chart on paper: identical simple human bust symbols arranged in branching family rows, some selected with circles and some excluded with X marks.

Etymology

euGreekgood, well

+genGreekbirth, stock

+icsEnglishfield of study or practice

The pieces express the idea of being “well-born” or “of good stock.” That language framed selective human breeding as improvement—the premise of the discredited practice.

In context

TED-Ed0:49

targeted by the state’s relentless campaign of eugenics. Since ancient Greece, there have been efforts to control human populations via reproduction, retaining some traits and removing others.

The movement that inspired the Holocaust - Alexandra Minna Stern and Natalie Lira

More examples

Eugenics treats some inherited traits as more valuable than others.
She studies the role of eugenics in forced sterilization policies.
The course distinguishes eugenics from voluntary genetic counseling.

Forms

eugenics

eugenic adjective — Relating to selective breeding of humans.

eugenicist noun — A person who supports or practices eugenics.