euthanasia
noun
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Where does euthanasia come from?
Euthanasia is a mass noun (or noncount noun), that is, a noun used only in the singular form.
The word comes from the Greek euthanatos, which means “easy death.” In English, euthanasia has been used in exactly this sense since the early seventeenth century, when Francis Bacon described the phenomenon as “after the fashion and semblance of a kindly & pleasant sleepe.” Nowadays, the word usually refers to the means of attaining such a death.
Examples of euthanasia in a Sentence
Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 12 June 2024
The humane society takes in over 4,000 animals each year, including over 1,000 pets at risk for euthanasia in other shelters, according to its website.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 1 June 2024
With a strict euthanasia policy and saving 96% of animals in 2023, bills can be costly.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 30 Apr. 2024
Too many animals, not enough homes, high euthanasia, homeless strays on the street — many starving and abused!
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for euthanasia 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'euthanasia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near euthanasia
Cite this Entry
“Euthanasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Medical Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Legal Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
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