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

These dogs, if they are left in the shelter, will be euthanized. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025

In one episode, a mother euthanizes her baby with Tay-Sachs. —Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

If the bear population really spirals out of control, could Florida please euthanize these bears humanely with medication and not cruelly with bullets for sport? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025

The last time a bear was euthanized in the park was in September 2017, when the park removed a grizzly bear that was damaging tents and accessing human food in backcountry campsites at Heart Lake, according to Yellowstone. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 19 May 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