euthanize

verb

eu·​tha·​nize ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz How to pronounce euthanize (audio)
variants or less commonly euthanatize
euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing

transitive verb

: to subject to euthanasia

Examples of euthanize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zoo veterinary and animal care staff humanely euthanized Mac on Tuesday. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 The officials said the squirrel bit one of the investigators involved in the confiscation and both animals taken were later euthanized to test for rabies. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024 Blood tests confirm a second person in Missouri caught bird flu without exposure to infected animals, but questions remain After H5N1 was identified in other animals on the farm, five swine were euthanized for testing; two tested negative, and results are still pending for two others. Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 The horse eventually was unable to stand and was euthanized because of the severity of the disease. Dan Basso, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for euthanize 

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euthanize was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near euthanize

Cite this Entry

“Euthanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanize. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

euthanize

transitive verb
eu·​tha·​nize
ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz
variants also euthanatize
yu̇-ˈthan-ə-ˌtīz
euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing
: to subject to euthanasia
the dog was euthanized at the owner's request

More from Merriam-Webster on euthanize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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