Do you speak a little Greek when you say 'euthanasia'?

'Euthanasia' is a word borrowed from Greek 'euthanatos'. The word entered the English language some time around 1869.

euthanasia [noun] [1869]

The act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domesti...
Meaning: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.

Etymology: Greek; easy death; from euthanatos; from eu- + thanatos death thanatos.

Topics: Medicine:PublicHealth.

Origin: From Greek to English.

note: The word euthanasia comes from ancient Greek combining eu (εὖ meaning good or well) and thanatos (θάνατος meaning death) literally translating to a good death or easy death reflecting the concept of dying peacefully without suffering. This meaning is present since antiquity though its modern definition of intentional ending of life for relief of suffering emerged much later.

See 'euthanasia' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Greek.

See more loan words from 1800s.