noun

euthanasia

yoo-thuh-NAY-zhuh/ˌjuːθəˈneɪʒə/

The intentional ending of a life to relieve incurable suffering.

The veterinarian performs euthanasia to relieve the gravely ill dog's suffering.

A compassionate veterinary euthanasia scene: a veterinarian administers an end-of-life injection through an existing catheter to a gravely ill elderly dog while its owner gently rests a hand on the dog.

Etymology

euGreekgood, well

+thanasGreekdeath

+iaGreekabstract noun ending

The pieces express a “good death,” originally understood as a gentle or easy death. The meaning later shifted from the manner of dying to intentionally ending life to relieve suffering.

In context

TEDx Talks2:03

Euthanasia is a kindness we are afforded in veterinary medicine. I love my job because whether I am saving a life or I am ending suffering, I am making a difference.

The emotional costs of euthanasia | Sarah Hoggan DVM | TEDxTemecula

More examples

The hospital's ethics committee debates whether euthanasia should be permitted.
She opposes euthanasia even when a terminally ill patient requests it.
They consider euthanasia when treatment can no longer relieve their cat's suffering.

Forms

euthanize verb — To intentionally end life to relieve suffering.

Similar words

mercy killing: Emphasizes a compassionate motive rather than a medical procedure.