n :  the act or practice of killing hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy : also  :  the act or practice of allowing a hopelessly sick or injured patient to die by taking less than complete medical measures to prolong life - called also mercy killing  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.