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living will
| a document instructing physicians, relatives, or others to refrain from the use of extraordinary measures, as life-support equipment, to prolong one's life in the event of a terminal illness. |
1970–75
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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| living will n. A document in which the signer states his or her wishes regarding medical treatment, especially treatment that sustains or prolongs life by extraordinary means, for use if the signer becomes mentally incompetent or unable to communicate. |
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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| Main Entry: | living will |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | See advance directive |
Living Will
A legal document that sets out the medical care an individual, or the principal, wants or does not want in the event that they become incapable of doing it themselves.
Investopedia Commentary
A living will is used by people whose wishes will be met should they reach a point when they are no longer able to make the decisions for themselves. For example, if a person obtained life-threatening injuries, or was incapacitated as a result of some terminal illness, the decisions about their health care will be theirs as long as they have a living will. Without one the decision becomes the responsibility of spouses, family members or other third parties.
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See also: Power of Attorney, Principal, Will
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Main Entry: liv·ing will
Function: noun
: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and esp. the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness —see also ADVANCE DIRECTIVE —compare durable power of attorney at POWER OF ATTORNEY
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Main Entry: living will
Function: noun
: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event ofbecoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery —see ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
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living will liv·ing will (lĭv'ĭng)
n.
A will in which the signer requests not to be kept alive by medical life-support systems in the event of a terminal illness.
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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