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

Over the last few weeks, changes in behavior prompted a medical examination, and the subsequent decision to euthanize him. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

At Friday’s hearing, attorneys representing the state of Texas requested the dogs be euthanized or at least not returned to their owner. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2025

Four of them were sudden deaths brought on by the roundup while three horses were euthanized due to pre-existing conditions, the agency said. —Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The sheriff said animal control was called to collect the dog and that there is a 10-day hold where the family has a chance to appeal the canine being euthanized. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for euthanize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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