Main Entry: neu·tral·ize

Pronunciation: \ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz, ˈnyü-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): neu·tral·ized; neu·tral·iz·ing

Date: 1759

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 (as a territory or a nation) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war
5 : to make neutral by blending with the complementary color
6 : to give (as a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation <\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps>intransitive verb : to undergo neutralization

— neu·tral·iz·er noun