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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Why do animals have to be euthanized to test for rabies? Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Not to be confused with the Josh Hutcherson Saturday Night Live sketch that’s almost impossible to find online, the tragedy of Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel that was euthanized late last month, has sent the internet into mourning. Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday seized and euthanized Peanut the squirrel from the home of content creator Mark Longo, who lives and operates an animal sanctuary in Pine City, N.Y. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel that was seized from its owner's home Wednesday, has been euthanized by New York state officials. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 1 Nov. 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 16 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!