declaw

American  

[dee-klaw] / ˌdiˈklɔ /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to remove the claws of (an animal, especially a cat) by a surgical procedure.

   Whatever you do, please do not declaw your cat—just trim the claws regularly.

   Many vets now refuse to declaw.

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noun

1. the surgical procedure or service of removing the claws of an animal, especially a cat.

   In those days cat owners were told that to save their furniture, a declaw was definitely in order.

Etymology

Origin of declaw

First recorded in 1900–05; de- ( def. ) + claw ( def. )

Example Sentences

The warmth of the family melodrama that powers the internal core of the narrative and provides the impetus to push Monk forward with the fake book tends to declaw the social commentary.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Seward said veterinarians often are asked to declaw a cat “because of the medical needs of the owner,” citing two HIV-positive clients who wanted to minimize their risk of bleeding from cat scratches.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

The only way for a medical professional to declaw a cat, after all, is to permanently maim the animal's paws.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2022

Of the 30 who responded, 40 percent said they perform declaw surgeries for nonmedical reasons.

From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2022

Mrs. Basil drew a long breath, raised both hands, and ejaculated: "Well, I declaw!"

From Tales of the Chesapeake by Townsend, George Alfred