variants
also British neutralise
ˈnuːtrəˌlaɪz 
British ˈnjuːtrəˌlaɪz
neutralizes; neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to stop (someone or something) from being effective or harmful
The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army.
2
technical
: to cause (a chemical) to be neither an acid nor a base
This medicine neutralizes stomach acids.
3
: to make (something, such as a country or area) neutral during a war
The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/neutralize. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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