anesthetize

[ uh-nes-thi-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, an·es·the·tized, an·es·the·tiz·ing.

1. to render physically insensible, as by an anesthetic.

Other Words From

• an·esthe·ti·zation noun
• nonan·esthe·tized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anesthetize¹

1840–50; < Greek anaísthēt ( os ) ( anesthetic ) + -ize

Example Sentences

During a search of his home, investigators found a clear vial that tested positive for a drug that could be used to anesthetize a person, Deputy Dist.

From Los Angeles Times

During these checkups, the animals were anesthetized, and the radar system was hung about half a meter above their chest.

From Science Daily

Proulx found something similar in 2018, when he and colleagues injected tracer dyes into the cisterna magna and found they entered the systemic blood more quickly in awake mice than anesthetized ones.

From Science Magazine

Copycats will try to fulfill his unfinished plans well beyond his lifespan, an undertaking made possible because GOP leaders have anesthetized their consciences and normalized Trump-like conduct for a decade.

From Salon

Control rats ate regular food and were anesthetized, but had no surgery.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• abate
• allay
• ameliorate
• calm
• expedite
• facilitate
• further
• improve
• lessen
• lift
• mitigate
• moderate
• promote
• relax
• relieve
• simplify
• soften
• soothe
• speed