What term describes the act of deliberately ending the life of another suffering from an incurable disease?

The act of deliberately ending the life of another suffering from an incurable disease is known as euthanasia. This term specifically refers to the intentional act of causing the death of a patient in order to relieve them from suffering, especially when they are enduring an incurable or painful condition. Euthanasia can be performed through various means, often involving medical professionals, and is subject to ethical and legal considerations in many jurisdictions.

In contrast to assisted suicide, where a person provides the means for an individual to end their own life, euthanasia involves a third party directly administering the life-ending act. Active euthanasia entails directly taking steps to cause the patient’s death, such as administering a lethal dose of medication. While passive euthanasia refers to allowing a patient to die by withholding or withdrawing treatment, it does not involve an active intervention to end the life.

Thus, when considering the definitions and nuances of these terms, euthanasia accurately captures the act of intentionally ending a life in the context of alleviating suffering caused by an incurable disease.