neutralize

1 of 2

verb

neu·​tral·​ize ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 

ˈnyü-

neutralized; neutralizing

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 (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

intransitive verb

: to undergo neutralization

neutralizer noun

neutralizer

2 of 2

noun

neu·​tral·​iz·​er

variants also British neutraliser

-zə(r)

plural -s

: one that neutralizes: such as

a

: any of various devices that neutralize or eliminate some unwanted or side effect (as static from radio, excess acidity from a solution)

b

: a worker who neutralizes something (as a product of acid hydrolysis by suitable treatment with a base) as his regular work

c

: a worker who cleans metal objects in an acid bath

d

: a chemical solution used to terminate the action of a permanent waving solution

e

: clocker entry 1 sense 3

Synonyms of neutralize

Verb

• offset
• correct

Examples of neutralize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Drones have become more advanced and accessible, but they can be neutralized with the right tools. —J.d. Miles, CBS News, 13 June 2026

Flavanols are the plant compounds in berries, cocoa and grapes linked to heart and brain health, and the dropoff is dramatic enough to essentially neutralize the smoothie’s flavanol value. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

But good intent does not neutralize inconsistent behavior. —Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Two fouls in 62 seconds neutralized the star center, and looked to do the same to the Knicks on Wednesday night. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for neutralize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids 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

ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

neutralizer

ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər

noun

Medical Definition

neutralize

verb

neu·​tral·​ize

variants also British neutralise

ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz 

neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising

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

neutralizer noun

also British neutraliser