Meaning & use
euthanize
To kill an animal or person painlessly, typically to end suffering from illness or injury.
See it in a sentence
The vet recommended euthanizing the elderly dog after its condition stopped improving.
The shelter euthanizes animals only as a last resort when no other option remains.
A note on using this word
Euthanize is used almost exclusively for animals in everyday speech; the human equivalent is usually discussed as euthanasia or assisted dying.
Words with a similar meaning
put downput to sleep
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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