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

Miranda noted that two recent incidents drew scrutiny, which both involved dogs deemed a danger to others that were euthanized. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Officials captured and euthanized the 8-foot-7-inch gator that bit the young boy, according to WESH. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

The predations in the Sierra Valley ranchlands north of Truckee led state wildlife officials to euthanize four wolves, essentially removing the entire Beyem Seyo pack. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

Hope Rescue, a local rehoming center, has been finding most of them new families, but shared in its release that six of the older dogs had to be euthanized due to poor health. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for euthanize

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

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