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
What’s more, opponents have neutralized his impact as a runner in recent weeks.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Some critics have interpreted the ending as a glib last-minute twist that threatens to neutralize the story’s potency and dismisses the seriousness of the movie’s premise.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Chemically, roses hold powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage collagen and speed the aging process.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
The Mariners would surely love to find a way to neutralize Guerrero and earn their own fall classic berth.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Some critics have interpreted the ending as a glib last-minute twist that threatens to neutralize the story’s potency and dismisses the seriousness of the movie’s premise.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Chemically, roses hold powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage collagen and speed the aging process.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
The Mariners would surely love to find a way to neutralize Guerrero and earn their own fall classic berth.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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