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
Consuming adequate vitamin C protects your cells from free radicals—highly unstable particles that can cause damage to cells if they aren't neutralized.
—
Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
But the streamers also can use AI to detect fakes better than ever, neutralizing the incentive to cheat.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Newsom’s office pointed to a notable investigation that took place in Northern California in July as an example of one of the state’s successful efforts to neutralize a prolific retail crime ring.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
How California plans to ‘neutralize’ any Republican gains State legislatures normally redraw their congressional district maps every 10 years to account for population changes.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 21 Aug. 2025
But the streamers also can use AI to detect fakes better than ever, neutralizing the incentive to cheat.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Newsom’s office pointed to a notable investigation that took place in Northern California in July as an example of one of the state’s successful efforts to neutralize a prolific retail crime ring.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
How California plans to ‘neutralize’ any Republican gains State legislatures normally redraw their congressional district maps every 10 years to account for population changes.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 12 Aug. 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 28 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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