neutralize

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

Synonyms

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counteract
• counterbalance
• counterpoise
• make up (for)
• negative
• offset

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

During his visit on Sunday, Christie -- who has said the U.S. needs to support Israel in whatever ways necessary to neutralize the threat of Hamas -- again dismissed requests for a cease-fire. —Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2023

America must now respond: to restore deterrence, neutralize the Iranian terror threat, and prevent further carnage. —The Editors, National Review, 13 Oct. 2023

To neutralize the leftover stripper, apply a deck cleaner with a pump sprayer, then scrub and rinse one more time. —Halee Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2023

Saliva also needs time to neutralize the acids in the mouth that can break down the enamel. —Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023

Net neutrality means neutralizing opinions by increasing the cost of entry. —Michael O'Rielly, National Review, 26 Oct. 2023

The culprits now hide malicious files on an encrypted cryptocurrency blockchain, making their malicious intent harder to neutralize. —Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2023

In this case, it is designed to neutralize XBB.1.5, a variant that was dominant in early summer, when the formulations were decided upon. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2023

Nevertheless, the internal conflict roiling the Republican Party—many of whose members share in the desire to rein in the government’s far-reaching domestic surveillance capabilities—deserves the lion's share of the credit right now for neutralizing any hope of a consolatory agreement. —WIRED, 24 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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