put to sleep
Euthanize, sometimes euphemistically
Put to sleep has two distinct meanings united by inducing unconsciousness.
The gentler sense is to cause someone to fall asleep: The boring lecture put me to sleep.
The harder sense is to euthanize an animal: We had to put our dog to sleep.
The euphemism softens a difficult subject, framing death as peaceful rest.
Painless death for suffering
- humaneMarked by kindness
- lethal injectionCapital punishment by needle
- veterinarianDoctor for animals
- painlessCausing no discomfort
compassion · terminal illness · incurable · suffering · dignity · quality of life · end-of-life care · palliative
Soothing song for babies
- tuck-inReady someone for sleep
- slumberLight, restful unconsciousness
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- snoozeLight brief sleep
naptime · doze · dreamland · pajamas · nightcap · yawn · pillow · mattress
Induced loss of feeling
- anestheticPain-blocking substance
- sedationDrug-induced calm state
- sedativeDrug promoting calm
- narcoticAddictive sedative drug
barbiturate · benzodiazepine · propofol · ketamine · tranquilizer · soporific · medication · dosage
Capture attention completely
- tranceSemiconscious, unresponsive condition
- hypnosisInduced trance state
- suggestibilityReadiness to accept influence
- subconsciousBelow conscious awareness
entrancement · suggestion · hypnotist · hypnotherapy · induction · relaxation · brainwave · swinging watch
mercy killing
Painless death for suffering
- humaneMarked by kindness
- lethal injectionCapital punishment by needle
- veterinarianDoctor for animals
painless · compassion · terminal illness · incurable · suffering · dignity · quality of life · end-of-life care · palliative · animal shelter
lullaby
Soothing song for babies
- tuck-inReady someone for sleep
- slumberLight, restful unconsciousness
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
snooze · naptime · doze · dreamland · pajamas · nightcap · yawn · pillow · mattress · blanket
anesthesia
Induced loss of feeling
- anestheticPain-blocking substance
- sedationDrug-induced calm state
- sedativeDrug promoting calm
narcotic · barbiturate · benzodiazepine · propofol · ketamine · tranquilizer · soporific · medication · dosage · IV
mesmerize
Capture attention completely
- tranceSemiconscious, unresponsive condition
- hypnosisInduced trance state
- suggestibilityReadiness to accept influence
subconscious · entrancement · suggestion · hypnotist · hypnotherapy · induction · relaxation · brainwave · swinging watch · guided imagery
lull
Temporary period of quiet
gentle · ease · comfort · relax · settle · hush · rock · swaddle · shush · white noise
- Euphemismspass away, passed away, passed on, expecting, with child
- executionexecution, lethal injection, firing squad, gas chamber, electric chair
put to sleepwake up
Become conscious again
awaken · rouse · wake · bring around · revive
put to sleeprevive
Restore consciousness or vigor
save · bring back to life · resuscitate · rescue · spare