declaw

verb

de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ 

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 American Veterinary Medical Association strongly discourages declawing as an elective procedure, but defers to veterinarians on each case. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

The outrage mob may try to sink their talons into anyone who does, but they've been declawed by the will of the people — who sliced right through the propaganda. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Others suffer from dental and kidney disease, complications from declawing and injuries that never healed properly. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Deaths have occurred when owners decide to declaw their cats themselves. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for declaw

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau

Medical Definition

declaw

transitive verb

de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ 

: to remove the claws of (a cat) usually with the nail matrix and all or part of the last bone of the toe