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

Pets and livestock that previously had the rabies vaccine get a booster dose, while animals that weren’t vaccinated at the time of exposure have to be euthanized unless a specialized facility is available for a months-long quarantine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026

The decision to euthanize Pickles, announced by Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in a Facebook post on Friday, came in the wake of a sudden health problem. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026

While Miami-Dade used to euthanize stray cats, the policy changed in 2012 amid pressure to dramatically boost the survival rate at the shelter. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026

Last year, that pack made headlines for an unprecedented number of livestock attacks — leading state wildlife officials to euthanize several members. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026

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