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.
In 2024 alone, the ASPCA estimates 334,000 dogs were euthanized in the U.S. Betancourt posted the video of her heartbreaking visit to Bailie's kennel to her TikTok @lifesavingpixie to raise awareness of the stark reality many shelter dogs face. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 In 2023, a bison calf was euthanized in 2023 after a man saved it from the Lamar River. Michael Nied, People.com, 11 June 2025 When a wolf attacked a child in Rome last year and was relocated instead of euthanized, some Italians saw this as proof that the government was prioritizing wolf lives over human ones. Jonathan C. Slaght, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025 Too young to survive on its own, the calf was euthanized. Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 11 June 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 25 Jun. 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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