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 of neutralize

• offset
• correct

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

Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, break down grime, and enhance the effectiveness of your detergent. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026

Unlike existing treatments that primarily neutralize IgE circulating in the bloodstream, the company aims to detach IgE from immune cells. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026

Its star ingredient is a 12% concentration of L-ascorbic acid—a pure, potent form of vitamin C that brightens the complexion and neutralizes free radicals. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Take a towel and soak it in fresh lemon juice before wiping down your shelves and drawers to leave behind a citrus scent that neutralizes funky smells. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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