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

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

“Virus will survive on the carcass surface — not for long at 100 degrees — but temperature and acidification pretty rapidly neutralize it in the carcass, at least influenza viruses.”

From Los Angeles Times

“At death, virus replication stops and putrefaction and heat begins to neutralize live virus,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

On almost every play, two or three offensive linemen converge on Jay Toia, massive bodies colliding in an attempt to neutralize the Bruins defensive tackle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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