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Definition of euthanatize
euthanatize
/ˈjuːθənətaɪz/
(UK: euthanatise)
eu · than · a · tize
Past Simple:euthanatized
•Past Participle:euthanatized
•Present Participle:euthanatizing
euthanatize Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
4
euthanatize Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• verb
1
To put (a living being, especially an animal that is very old or suffering from an incurable disease or injury) to death humanely and painlessly.
Example
"The veterinarian reluctantly advised the family to euthanatize their elderly dog after the illness progressed beyond treatment."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for euthanatize Antonyms
View all antonyms for euthanatizeWord Nuance & Usage
While etymologically closer to the Greek root 'thanatos' (death), 'euthanatize' has largely been superseded in modern usage by the shorter back-formation 'euthanize'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 20th century from the Ancient Greek 'eu-' (good, easy) and 'thanatos' (death), modeled on 'euthanasia' with the verbal suffix '-ize'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Euthanatize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/euthanatize