neutralize

verb

neu·​tral·​ize ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 

ˈnyü-

neutralized; neutralizing

transitive verb

1

: to make chemically neutral

2

a

: to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective

propaganda that is difficult to neutralize

b

: kill, destroy

3

: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities

4

: to invest (a territory, a nation, etc.) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war

5

: to make neutral by blending with the complementary color

6

: to give (a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation

\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps

intransitive verb

: to undergo neutralization

neutralizer noun

Synonyms of neutralize

• offset
• correct

Examples of neutralize in a Sentence

The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army.

This medicine neutralizes stomach acids.

The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vegas dominated the opening period, scoring three goals on eight shots and using physical play to neutralize the Ducks’ high-flying offense. —Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Despite this, saturation attacks remained difficult to fully neutralize. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

Use natural odor-fighters like coffee grounds and baking soda to neutralize lingering smells. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

Once again charming viewers with his native Australian accent, the actor remains effortlessly entertaining while using his charisma to neutralize caustic dialogue that would flatten a less likable performer on impact. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for neutralize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

neutralize

verb

neu·​tral·​ize ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz 

neutralized; neutralizing

1

: to make chemically neutral

neutralize an acid with a base

2

: to make ineffective : nullify

neutralize an opponent's move

3

: to make electrically neutral by combining equal positive and negative quantities

4

: to make politically neutral

neutralize a country

neutralization

ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

neutralizer

ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər

noun

Medical Definition

neutralize

verb

neu·​tral·​ize

variants also British neutralise

ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz 

neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising

transitive verb

1

: to make chemically neutral

2

a

: to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective

b

: to counteract the refractive power of (a lens) by combining it with one or more other lenses

3

: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities

intransitive verb

: to undergo neutralization

neutralizer noun

also British neutraliser