neutralize

neu·tral·ize

verb \ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz, ˈnyü-\

neu·tral·izedneu·tral·iz·ing

Definition of NEUTRALIZE

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

Examples of NEUTRALIZE

1. The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army.
2. This medicine neutralizes stomach acids.
3. The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.

First Known Use of NEUTRALIZE

1759

Related to NEUTRALIZE

Synonyms

annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, offset

Related Words

invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify; atone (for); outbalance, outweigh, redeem; redress, relieve, remedy; override, overrule

Near Antonyms

animate, raise, restore, resurrect, resuscitate, revive

Rhymes with NEUTRALIZE

advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise

neu·tral·ize

verb    (Medical Dictionary)

neu·tral·ized also British neu·tral·isedneu·tral·iz·ing also British neu·tral·is·ing

Medical Definition of NEUTRALIZE

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

—neu·tral·iz·er also British neu·tral·is·er noun

Variants of NEUTRALIZE

neu·tral·ize also British neu·tral·ise \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz\