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

The strategy is clear: Secure allies, neutralize threats, and lock in legislative wins that will define the industry’s future. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

That’s all thanks to the red light therapy, which has been shown to neutralize acne-causing bacteria and boost collagen and elastin — two things that keep skin supple. —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 29 Jan. 2025

The process of neutralizing the batteries is complex, requiring a high level of technical sophistication. —David Douglas, NBC News, 27 Jan. 2025

Mikal Bridges led the charge with 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, using his length to neutralize Morant on the defensive end. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025

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