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

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counteract
• counterbalance
• counterpoise
• make up (for)
• negative
• offset

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

French and other European leaders have sought to appease the farmers — and neutralize far-right advantages. —Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024

The injuries neutralized each other to create a thrilling, tight game. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

Using all-natural ingredients and a pleasant rainforest scent, this dog shampoo will effectively neutralize odors and leave your furry friend feeling and smelling refreshed. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Another option is to neutralize the acid on site using alkaline minerals such as olivine or basalt. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2024

The solution sits on the lashes for 8 to 14 mins before neutralizing for 7 to 12 minutes. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 20 Mar. 2024

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Mar. 2024

That path to victory is based on a crucial caveat: A small proportion of people with HIV do produce what are known as broadly neutralizing antibodies against the virus. —Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2024

Today, rather than the passage of time neutralizing my understanding of her, experience has only reinforced how unnecessary her behavior was. —Kara Panzer, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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