assisted suicide

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Word: Assisted Suicide

Definition: Assisted suicide is when a person who is very ill, often with a disease that cannot be cured, asks someone else to help them die. This is done to make dying easier and less painful for the person.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Formality: This term is more formal and is often used in medical, legal, or ethical discussions.

Example Sentence:

• "In some countries, assisted suicide is legal for patients suffering from terminal illnesses who want to end their lives peacefully."

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about medical ethics, assisted suicide often raises questions about the morality of helping someone end their life versus the right of a person to choose how they die.

Word Variants:

• Assisted Dying: A term that is often used interchangeably with assisted suicide but can sometimes refer to broader practices that help a person die with dignity.
• Terminal Illness: A disease that cannot be cured and is expected to lead to death.

Different Meanings:

• While "suicide" generally refers to a person taking their own life for various reasons, assisted suicide specifically involves another person providing help, usually in the context of severe illness.

Synonyms:

• Euthanasia (though this can also refer to ending life in cases where the person cannot make the choice themselves)
• Physician-assisted dying (when a doctor is involved in the process)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "assisted suicide," but you might hear phrases like "to take matters into one's own hands," which can refer to someone making a significant decision about their life.

Important Note:

• Legal Status: Assisted suicide laws vary greatly around the world. In some places, it is legal under strict conditions, while in others, it is illegal. It is important to understand the laws in your area if discussing this topic.

Conclusion:

Assisted suicide is a sensitive topic that involves deep personal and ethical considerations.

Academic

Noun

1. suicide of a terminally ill person that involves an assistant who serves to make dying as painless and dignified as possible