declaw

verb

de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ How to pronounce declaw (audio)
declawed; declawing; declaws

transitive verb

: to remove the claws of (an animal, such as a cat) surgically

Examples of declaw in a Sentence

We had our cats declawed.
Recent Examples on the Web The support for the measure that would declaw a landmark criminal justice reform law credited with keeping low-level offenders out of overcrowded prisons has even found support from Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2024 To get circus animals to perform and minimize the threat of an attack, there have been cases of cruel measures: declawing, drugging, electric-prodding and taking out teeth. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024 While there are catfights aplenty, most come off as perfunctory and declawed. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 Those in possession of exotic animals often attempt to change the animal, using tactics such as confining them to a small space, chaining them up, declawing and removing teeth, according to Born Free USA. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for declaw 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'declaw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of declaw was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near declaw

Cite this Entry

“Declaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/declaw. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

declaw

transitive verb
de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ How to pronounce declaw (audio)
: to remove the claws of (a cat) usually with the nail matrix and all or part of the last bone of the toe
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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