the original
definition of
euthanasia is "
mercy killing," the
act of putting to
death painlessly or allowing to die (as by withholding extreme medical measures) a person or
animal suffering from an incurable disease or
condition. However, under the practice of
psychiatry it has become "the
act of killing people considered a burden on society."
—Dianetics 55! Glossary (app 9.7.90)