EUTHANASIA

euthanasia, mercy killing

(noun) the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

euthanasia (usually uncountable, plural euthanasias)

The practice of intentionally and painlessly killing a human being or animal for humane reasons, especially in order to end great suffering or poor quality of life.

(obsolete) An easy death, or the means to bring about such a death.

Synonyms

• mercy killing, mercy-killing

Source: Wiktionary

Eu`tha*na"si*a n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. euthanasie.]

Definition: An easy death; a mode of dying to be desired. "An euthanasia of all thought." Hazlitt. The kindest wish of my friends is euthanasia. Arbuthnot.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition