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

After multiple vets agreed that his injuries were too advanced to operate on, Bech Parker agreed to euthanize Trevor. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

This golden retriever was the last surviving dog that responded to the attacks; she was euthanized after battling kidney failure at the age of 16 in June 2016. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

The rescue facility said surgery and treatment could not repair the damage, which influenced their decision to euthanize the animal. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

This novel follows the final days of a wealthy executive, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, on his way to Switzerland to be euthanized. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 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