euthanize

verb

eu·​tha·​nize ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz 

variants or less commonly euthanatize

yü-ˈtha-nə-ˌtīz 

euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing

transitive verb

: to subject to euthanasia

Examples of euthanize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

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