1. to kill (a sick or injured animal) in a humane way to end its suffering
Usage: medical; veterinary
2. to kill (a person) painlessly, especially to relieve suffering from an incurable illness
Usage: medical; controversial

Examples

• The veterinarian recommended that we euthanize our elderly dog due to his severe arthritis.
• The animal shelter had to euthanize several cats because they couldn’t find homes for them.
• After the accident, the injured horse had to be euthanized.
• The debate over whether doctors should be allowed to euthanize terminally ill patients continues.
• Many pet owners struggle with the decision to euthanize a beloved animal.
• The zoo decided to euthanize the elephant after it became too sick to recover.