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

The belugas were in danger of being euthanized if they weren't rescued. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Georgia and North Carolina also rope off breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators such as foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Two days later, the MCS confirmed that a bear had attacked the victims and the animal had been euthanized. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

In 2025, the Beyem Seyo pack killed nearly 100 cattle in about seven months in Plumas and Sierra counties, prompting wildlife officials to euthanize four wolves. — Scott Lebar. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 15 July 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