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
Theodore also made a handful of nice defensive plays in the opening frame, neutralizing what looked like dangerous rush chances with strong stick checks.
—
Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explain how to manage negative thoughts at work and neutralize their impact.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The letter to Johnson and Grassley, sent in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, affirmed the president's intent to continue operations until the Houthi threat is neutralized, emphasizing his constitutional authority to defend U.S. interests and calling on Congress for continued support.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
With its signature disdain for anything smacking of smarts or competence, the Trump administration now aims to destroy or neutralize them.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explain how to manage negative thoughts at work and neutralize their impact.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The letter to Johnson and Grassley, sent in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, affirmed the president's intent to continue operations until the Houthi threat is neutralized, emphasizing his constitutional authority to defend U.S. interests and calling on Congress for continued support.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
With its signature disdain for anything smacking of smarts or competence, the Trump administration now aims to destroy or neutralize them.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 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 20 May. 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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