putting someone out of their misery
Ending prolonged suffering
To put someone out of their misery is to end their suffering, originally by killing a mortally wounded person or animal: The horse broke its leg and had to be put out of its misery.
More often used figuratively—relieving suspense or anxiety by giving someone information they're waiting for: Just tell me if I got the job and put me out of my misery.
- euthanasiaDeliberate death for relief
- mercy killingPainless death for suffering
- assisted suicideHelping someone end life
- pulling the plugEnding something definitively
- compassionConcern for others' distress
mercy · suffering · empathy · letting go · closure · moral dilemma · hospice · palliative care · do not resuscitate · quality of life · relief · autonomy · consent · dying wish · dignity · terminal illness · finality · decision-making
putting someone out of their miserylife support
Systems maintaining vital functions
resuscitation · extraordinary measures · aggressive treatment
putting someone out of their miserytorturing
Inflicting severe pain deliberately
tormenting · inflicting pain · cruelty · sadism · looking the other way