neutralize

[ noo-truh-lahyz, nyoo- ]

verb (used with object)

, neu·tral·ized, neu·tral·iz·ing.

1. to make neutral; cause to undergo neutralization.
2. to make (something) ineffective; counteract; nullify:

   carelessness that neutralized our efforts.

3. Military. to put out of action or make incapable of action:

   to neutralize an enemy position.

4. to declare neutral; invest with neutrality in order to exempt from involvement during a war:

   to neutralize a city to prevent bombing.

5. to add an acid to a basic solution or a base to an acidic solution until the resulting solution is chemically neutral (pH = 7).
6. Electricity. to render electrically or magnetically neutral.

verb (used without object)

, neu·tral·ized, neu·tral·iz·ing.

1. to become neutral or neutralized; undergo neutralization:

   With this additive the solution begins to neutralize.

neutralize

/ ˈnjuːtrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. also intr to render or become ineffective or neutral by counteracting, mixing, etc; nullify
2. also intr to make or become electrically or chemically neutral
3. to exclude (a country) from the sphere of warfare or alliances by international agreement

   the great powers neutralized Belgium in the 19th century

4. to render (an army) incapable of further military action

neutralize

/ no̅o̅′trə-līz′ /

1. To cause an acidic solution to become neutral by adding a base to it or to cause a basic solution to become neutral by adding an acid to it. Salt and water are usually formed in the process.

Derived Forms

• ˈneutralˌizer, noun
• ˌneutraliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• neutral·izer noun
• over·neutral·ize verb (used with object) overneutralized overneutralizing
• over·neutral·izer noun
• re·neutral·ize verb reneutralized reneutralizing
• un·neutral·ize verb (used with object) unneutralized unneutralizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of neutralize¹

First recorded in 1655–65; neutral + -ize

Example Sentences

"Stimulating the vagus nerve neutralized the effects of stress and restored a balanced and healthy physiologic state," said Ulloa, a Duke researcher, the leading andcorresponding author of the study.

From Science Daily

"Likewise, a hot period after application could supercharge plant metabolism and neutralize the herbicide faster, rendering it less effective."

From Science Daily

Stafford, however, instantly recounted the statistical picture going into it, the personnel and coverages former Patriots coach Bill Belichick successfully deployed to neutralize Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson, and key injuries that occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that harm our cells.

From Salon

Cleveland attacked the Lakers with size and physicality, neutralizing Anthony Davis and James at the basket.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compensate for
• counterbalance
• negate
• nullify
• offset
• overcome
• redress
• subdue