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.
At the request of its owner, the dog was euthanized Friday. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025 In 2023, more than 6.3 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescue centers in the United States, according to data from Shelter Animals Count, which said shelters are full, and hundreds of thousands of animals are euthanized each year. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Sadly, the relief of the moment is undercut by Buck’s realization that his new best friend is being carted off to a kill shelter, where he’ll be euthanized unless he’s adopted. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 The bear involved was subsequently euthanized by state officials. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Euthanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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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