declaw — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To surgically remove the claws of (an animal); to perform onychectomy on.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   On Oct. 9, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that bans cats from being declawed statewide. Veterinarians can no longer declaw cats even if an owner wants the procedure to be done.

2. To make harmless; to remove the power, authority, or force from.

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • Transitive

   Examples

   The acerbic comedy has been declawed by the demands of network TV.

   If, when the moment arrives, China is unwilling to side with its allies, the Arabs will rapidly find a declawed Chinese dragon unwelcome.

Verb

1. remove the claws from

   Broader terms

   removetaketake awaywithdrawtake offpull

   Examples

   declaw a cat