Meaning & use

eugenics

noun·Advanced

The now-discredited practice or theory of improving a population's genetic quality through controlled breeding.

See it in a sentence

Eugenics was used to justify forced sterilization programs in several countries.

The rise and fall of eugenics is a cautionary tale taught in science ethics courses.

A note on using this word

Eugenics is a historical and ethical topic today, associated with human rights abuses rather than legitimate science.

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