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.
The horse was euthanized two days after he was discovered in his stall with a seriously fractured hind leg. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 He was captured and euthanized in late 2022, deemed too sick to return to the wild because of injuries and infection. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 Two days later, the agencies announced the animals were euthanized to test them for rabies. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 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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