euthanize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Last year, that pack made headlines for an unprecedented number of livestock attacks — leading state wildlife officials to euthanize several members.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026
Fish and Wildlife is primarily responsible for managing the hulking mammals, including making the call to move or euthanize them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 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
They made the hard decision to medically euthanize her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2024
Irwin, who was fond of the horse, refused to euthanize him.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
State officials dispute that, saying bears are euthanized only in extreme circumstances such as after they’ve hurt someone or committed repeated break-ins.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The writer-director’s 2022 feature debut, “Plan 75,” imagined an unsettling future in which the elderly are offered a subsidy by the government to be euthanized.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026
Four horses, a pony and a bull experiencing severe medical distress were euthanized “to prevent further suffering,” and one kitten died while in the care of the San Diego Humane Society, according to the organization.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2026
A 25-year-old Spanish woman was euthanized last month by medical personnel on her request and with the approval of authorities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026
According to an online FAQ, that decision stemmed from the death of two older herd members — Jewel and Shaunzi — who were euthanized in 2023 and 2024, respectively, for age-related health reasons.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 31, 2026
The nonprofit filed an appeal with the 9th Circuit, requesting the county hold off on euthanizing Bruce until the court heard the case.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
Despite the wipeout infestations and mass euthanizing, Farm Action alleges the size of egg-laying flocks in 2025 are, on average, only about 5 percent smaller, on a month-to-month basis, than they were in 2021.
From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2025
“He got extra treats, critical care and veg today. And attention,” the vet said in an email announcing the plans for euthanizing him.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 13, 2023
They are sterilizing coyotes in the area and euthanizing coyote-wolf hybrids when they’re found.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 3, 2023
Even if they were euthanizing the animals, it didn’t add up.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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