neutralize

verb

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neu·tral·ize | \ ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz

, ˈnyü- \

neutralized; neutralizing

Definition of neutralize

transitive verb

1 : to make chemically neutral

2a : 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

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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 Antioxidants neutralize free radicals thus helping to inhibit inflammation and offer protection against photo-damage. — Alex Zhavoronkov, Forbes, "Women In Longevity – Bringing Science Of Aging To Aesthetic Medicine Dr. Stephanie Manson Brown," 27 Apr. 2021 Gulfstream uses it to test its new aircraft—and many firms like VistaJet and NetJets are offering clients the ability to neutralize their flights’ CO2 output by paying carbon offset fees. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, "This New Bio-Fuel Uses Old Cooking Oil to Fly Jets With 80% Less Carbon Emissions," 21 Apr. 2021 China’s claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea has put relations with Manila on a slow burn for years, even as Duterte tried to neutralize the controversy by adopting a docile posture toward Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping. — Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, "‘Untapped weapon’: Philippine leaders warn China by touting defense treaty with US," 8 Apr. 2021 Purple shampoos neutralize yellow or brassy tones through purple pigments infused into a shampoo’s formula. — Sydney Poe, chicagotribune.com, "What is the best purple shampoo?," 4 Apr. 2021 These are the kinds of weapons that might sink American ships, neutralize critical battlefield surveillance systems, and threaten bases farther afield. — The Editors, National Review, "A Chinese Attack on Taiwan Is Getting Closer," 2 Apr. 2021 Senate Bill 1529 could neutralize the influence of liberal Austin voters on courts that traditionally have handled big lawsuits against the state, which are typically filed in district court in Travis County. — Robert T. Garrett, Dallas News, "GOP Texas senators push shakeup of regional appeals courts in move likely to reverse Democrats’ gains," 1 Apr. 2021 Some products might also contain ingredients that soak up oil and neutralize the smell, like kaolin clay, charcoal, or sodium chloride (salt). — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "22 of the Best Natural Deodorants to Keep You Dry, Fresh, and Non-Stinky," 22 Mar. 2021 The virus uses the spikes to enter and infect cells and immune system antibodies neutralize the virus by binding to the spikes. — Amanda Morris, The Arizona Republic, "COVID-19 vaccine ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, but officials say it's rare," 23 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neutralize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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