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

The compound also acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that build up in non-healing wounds and cause cellular damage. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

Several said this one would be nice spread on toast or mixed into baked goods to neutralize some of the sweetness. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026

An institution built explicitly to neutralize biological catastrophes is now at the center of one. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Lime tea concentrate, meanwhile, adds antioxidant protection, helping neutralize free radicals that can contribute to visible signs of skin aging. — Sheryl George, Allure, 5 Oct. 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