putting to sleep
Making someone unconscious
Putting to sleep has two distinct meanings.
The gentler sense is helping someone fall asleep: She spent an hour putting the baby to sleep.
The harder sense is euthanizing an animal: The vet recommended putting the old dog to sleep.
The euphemism softens what is actually a lethal injection.
Context usually makes clear which meaning applies.
- put downInsulting remark meant to diminish
- euthanasiaDeliberate death for relief
- assisted suicideHelping someone end life
- mercy killingPainless death for suffering
- final restDeath or the grave
lullabies · nighty night · anesthesia · twilight sedation · bedtime rituals · calming down · relaxation · hibernation · sedatives · propofol · barbiturates · benzodiazepines · lethal injection · counting sheep · tranquilizers · hypnotics · knockout drops · meditation
putting to sleepresuscitating
Restoring consciousness or breathing
reviving · saving · resurrecting · rescuing · reanimating
putting to sleepenergizing
Imparting renewed vitality
stimulating · invigorating · exciting · activating · perking up
puts, putting, sleep, sleeps, slept, sleeping, sleeper, sleepers, sleepy