neutralize

1 of 2

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

neutralizer

2 of 2

noun

neu·​tral·​iz·​er

variants also British neutraliser

-zə(r)

plural -s

: one that neutralizes: such as

a

: any of various devices that neutralize or eliminate some unwanted or side effect (as static from radio, excess acidity from a solution)

b

: a worker who neutralizes something (as a product of acid hydrolysis by suitable treatment with a base) as his regular work

c

: a worker who cleans metal objects in an acid bath

d

: a chemical solution used to terminate the action of a permanent waving solution

e

: clocker entry 1 sense 3

Synonyms of neutralize

Verb

• offset
• correct

Examples of neutralize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Look for complexion products that have medium and/or buildable coverage to neutralize redness and age spots, as well as ingredients that soothe and hydrate. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Baking soda neutralizes odors instead of masking them, binding with the compounds that actually cause smells rather than covering them up. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Another contractor was brought in to neutralize the green growth using nanobubble technology, which did cut back some of the green growth, but may have led to the new blue finish peeling off the bottom of the pool. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 23 June 2026

That legitimate gap does not, however, neutralize the resistance risk their products carry. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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