neutralize

verb

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

But, as noted above, your body does a fine job of neutralizing acid on its own, and these claims are based on flimsy science. — Christy Brissette, chicagotribune.com, "There’s no solid evidence alkaline water is better for you," 29 Aug. 2019 But, as noted above, your body does a fine job of neutralizing acid on its own, and these claims are based on flimsy science. — Christy Brissette, Washington Post, "Is alkaline water really better for you?," 28 Aug. 2019 In response, China allowed its currency to devalue, which has the effect of partially neutralizing the tariffs. — R.a. Schuetz, Houston Chronicle, "Mortgage rates falling at the steepest rate in seven years," 8 Aug. 2019 Loquat leaf delivers antioxidants, which both prevent sun damage in real time (by neutralizing free radicals) and repair skin overnight, while Japanese wild rose smooths skin texture and minimizes the look of my otherwise gigantic pores. — Deanna Pai, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Multitasking Sunscreen I Never Leave Home Without," 22 July 2019 Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Is Sparkling Water Bad for You in Some Way?," 5 Apr. 2019 For now, the most effective means of neutralizing these hypersonic missiles is to destroy the platforms that carry them before launch. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russia’s New Hypersonic Missile Travels Nearly Two Miles a Second," 26 Dec. 2018 Newsletter Sign-up And instead of neutralizing Wilson’s value, the change accentuated his skills. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "Oh, So Now the Seahawks Want to Run the Ball," 14 Dec. 2018 The Rams secondary will try to neutralize receiver DJ Moore and tight end Greg Olsen. — Los Angeles Times, "Rams vs. Panthers: How the teams match up," 8 Sep. 2019

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.