1. the study of or belief in improving the human population by selective breeding or genetic manipulation, often associated with discredited and harmful historical practices.
Usage: typically used in historical or scientific contexts; often carries negative connotations due to its misuse in the 20th century

Examples

• Eugenics was promoted by some governments in the early 20th century with devastating consequences.
• The history of eugenics serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pseudoscience.
• Modern genetics is distinct from the discredited theories of eugenics.
• Eugenics programs caused immense human suffering and violated basic human rights.
• Scientists today reject eugenics as both scientifically unfounded and ethically wrong.