euthanize

verb

eu·​tha·​nize ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz How to pronounce euthanize (audio)
variants or less commonly euthanatize
yü-ˈtha-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce euthanize (audio)
euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing
Synonyms of euthanizenext

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 giraffe is the second to be euthanized following an injury this year. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 This involves collecting and euthanizing the birds, which Denver did in 2024. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Can You Dream, a 3-year-old filly trained by Rafael DeLeon, sustained a left front fetlock injury on the backstretch of Sunday’s eighth race and was euthanized due to the severity of the injury. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026 One of the puppies was euthanized, while the other is recovering from its wounds, according to the news release. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 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

Rhymes for euthanize

See All Rhymes for euthanize

Browse Nearby Words

euthanasia
euthanize
euthenics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Euthanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for euthanize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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