neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 
ˈnyü-
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
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
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
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
The acidity in vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and naturally neutralizes odors.
—
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
There are 42 other universal vaccine candidates that are being tested in clinical trials, including seven that are designed to neutralize both flu and COVID.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Because in a business climate where structural change is constant and shareholder scrutiny is high, the smartest leaders understand that good ideas don’t always originate from within.
Activism is no longer just a threat to be neutralized.
—Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Smalls sells a serum called To the Root that aims to neutralize free radicals from sun exposure and deliver antioxidants to encourage growth.
—Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
There are 42 other universal vaccine candidates that are being tested in clinical trials, including seven that are designed to neutralize both flu and COVID.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Because in a business climate where structural change is constant and shareholder scrutiny is high, the smartest leaders understand that good ideas don’t always originate from within.
Activism is no longer just a threat to be neutralized.
—Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Smalls sells a serum called To the Root that aims to neutralize free radicals from sun exposure and deliver antioxidants to encourage growth.
—Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
neutralizer
noun
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər
Medical Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
variants
also British neutralise
neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising
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
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
also British neutraliser
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