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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In coffee, a small amount of salt can neutralize bitterness by affecting certain taste receptors on the tongue without masking flavor the way sugar and cream can. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 This old remedy does not chemically neutralize the odor, says Mengak. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025 To neutralize opposition from a powerful trade union, Wiener agreed to require union labor on any building taller than 85 feet. John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 The only way to neutralize the threat of these mines is to remove them, which is a seriously risky business. NPR, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neutralize

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

Cite this Entry

“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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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