euthanize

American  

[yoo-thuh-nahyz] / ˈyu θəˌnaɪz /

especially British, euthanatize especially british, euthanise

verb (used with object)

euthanized, euthanizing

1. to subject to euthanasia.

   to euthanize injured animals.

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euthanize British  

/ ˈjuːθəˌnaɪz, ˈjuːθəˌneɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to kill (a person or animal) painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illness

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Usage

What does euthanize mean? Euthanize means to painlessly put a person or animal to death. The decision to euthanize a person is usually made because they have a painful, incurable disease or condition which will cause them to die slowly and in great pain. Where it is legal, the dying person must consent to being euthanized and only a doctor or other permitted person is legally able to end that person’s life. With animals, the decision is usually left to the animal’s owner, with a veterinarian or other qualified person actually ending the animal’s life. Animals are also usually euthanized because they are in great pain that cannot be relieved any other way. Euthanize is also written as euthanatize. In British English, the spellings euthanise and euthanatise are also used. Example: A veterinarian sometimes has to euthanize an animal when they will otherwise suffer a painful death.

Etymology

Origin of euthanize

First recorded in 1960–65; euthan(asia) + -ize

Example Sentences

After consulting with state wildlife officials, veterinarians concluded the cub would have suffered chronic pain and mobility issues for the rest of her life, so they decided to euthanize her.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025

There’s no magic formula for knowing when —or if — to euthanize a beloved pet, but preparation and trusting your gut can help smooth the way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

These are places that receive a significant influx of animals, either by owner surrender or retrieval, and would rather have people claim them than be forced to euthanize them.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2024

In the past several weeks, Rosa’s health deteriorated, and experts at the aquarium decided to euthanize her.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Irwin, who was fond of the horse, refused to euthanize him.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand