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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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