euthanize

verb

eu·​tha·​nize ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz How to pronounce euthanize (audio)
variants or less commonly euthanatize
yü-ˈtha-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce euthanize (audio)
euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing
Synonyms of euthanizenext

transitive verb

: to subject to euthanasia

Examples of euthanize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That same evening, officers found a coyote in the area where the child was bitten, then trapped and euthanized it. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 She was euthanized two months after her recovery so scientists could study her brain. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 The property can house up to 250 animals, some of which may require specialized care or may have illnesses or specific diseases that would, in most cases, cause them to be euthanized or turned away. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The bill in consideration was originally named Ryder’s Law after a 14-year-old carriage horse who collapsed in 2022 and was later euthanized due to cancer. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for euthanize

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euthanize was in 1873

Rhymes for euthanize

See All Rhymes for euthanize

Browse Nearby Words

euthanasia
euthanize
euthenics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Euthanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanize. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on euthanize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for euthanize

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