'anesthetize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anaisthēsia,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'aisthēsis' meant 'sensation.'

'anaisthēsia' was adopted into modern English as 'anesthesia,' and the verb form 'anesthetize' was later formed in English.

Initially, it meant 'to make insensible,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to administer an anesthetic to cause loss of sensation.'