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Definition of anesthetize

anesthetize

/əˈnɛs.θə.taɪz/
(UK: anaesthetise)
an · es · the · tize
Adverb:anesthetically
•
Adjective:anesthetic
•
Past Simple:anesthetized
•
Past Participle:anesthetized
•
Present Participle:anesthetizing
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anesthetize Lexical Profile

anesthetize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

American To administer an anesthetic to a person or animal in order to induce a temporary loss of sensation or awareness, especially before a medical procedure.

Example

"The veterinarian had to anesthetize the injured dog before setting its broken leg."

2

American To dull or deaden someone's emotional sensitivity, moral awareness, or capacity to feel pain.

Example

"Endless hours of repetitive television seemed to anesthetize the audience to the gravity of the news."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anesthetize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for anesthetize

• Nearby Words

anesthesiologist
anesthetic
anesthetist
anesthetize
aneto
aneurysm
anew

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from "anesthetic" plus the verbal suffix "-ize," ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek "anaisthesia," meaning "lack of sensation" (from "an-" meaning "without" and "aisthesis" meaning "feeling").

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Anesthetize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/anesthetize
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