neutralize

verb

neu·​tral·​ize ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce neutralize (audio)
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
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
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 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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutralize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutralize was in 1744

Dictionary Entries Near neutralize

Cite this Entry

“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

neutralize

verb
neu·​tral·​ize ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce neutralize (audio)
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
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
neutralizer noun
also British neutraliser

More from Merriam-Webster on neutralize

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