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Definition of declaw

declaw

/diːˈklɔː/
de · claw
Adjective:declawed
•
Past Simple:declawed
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Past Participle:declawed
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Present Participle:declawing
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declaw Lexical Profile

declaw Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To surgically remove the claws and the attached distal toe bones of an animal, especially a domestic cat.

Example

"Many veterinary associations strongly advise pet owners not to declaw their cats, recommending scratching posts and regular nail trims instead."

2

To render harmless, powerless, or ineffective by stripping away aggressive or dangerous elements (used figuratively).

Example

"Critics argued that the last-minute amendments served only to declaw the environmental protection bill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for declaw
Antonyms
View all antonyms for declaw

• Rhymes for declaw

• Nearby Words

declarer
declassification
declassify
declaw
decline
decliner
declinism

Cite this Entry

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