好词典

eugenics

UK //juːˈdʒen.ɪks//US //juːˈdʒen.ɪks//

词源

源自希腊语 eu-(好的) + -genēs(出生),1883年由英国科学家弗朗西斯·高尔顿创造。

noun

❶ 优生学,指通过控制人类繁殖来改善遗传特征的科学或社会运动,通常涉及选择性生育或基因筛选。

“Eugenics was a controversial movement in the early 20th century.”

(优生学是20世纪初颇具争议的社会运动。)

“Some countries implemented eugenics policies to promote healthier populations.”

(一些国家曾实施优生政策以提升人口健康水平。)

同义词:selective breeding, genetic improvement, racial hygiene

常见短语

negative eugenics — 消极优生学,指通过限制某些人群生育来消除不良遗传特征的做法。

“Negative eugenics was used to justify forced sterilizations in some countries.”

(消极优生学曾被某些国家用来为强制绝育辩护。)

positive eugenics — 积极优生学,指鼓励具有优良基因的人群多生育以改善人种质量。

“Positive eugenics promoted the idea that intelligent people should have more children.”

(积极优生学曾提倡高智商人群应多生育的理念。)