neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 
ˈnyü-
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
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
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
Synonyms
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
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
And collaboration neutralizes the anxiety that comes with impending existential change.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The starch in bread helps neutralize the effects of capsaicin.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
The acidic stream will be either neutralized or shipped out in trucks, while the alkaline stream will be returned to the ocean via a floating barge.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2024
Edey will be neutralized, and the quicker Cougars will dominate.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
In doing so, Israel has largely neutralized the immediate ground threat to the towns and villages near Gaza, allowing residents to gradually return to their homes, which were evacuated following the October 7 massacre.
—Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024
Only a Bene Gesserit can neutralize the poison, which, we are told repeatedly, would kill any man.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024
The antibodies that are best able to hold on can most effectively neutralize its toxicity.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
Kara Panzer, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2024
And collaboration neutralizes the anxiety that comes with impending existential change.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The starch in bread helps neutralize the effects of capsaicin.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
The acidic stream will be either neutralized or shipped out in trucks, while the alkaline stream will be returned to the ocean via a floating barge.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2024
Edey will be neutralized, and the quicker Cougars will dominate.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
In doing so, Israel has largely neutralized the immediate ground threat to the towns and villages near Gaza, allowing residents to gradually return to their homes, which were evacuated following the October 7 massacre.
—Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024
Only a Bene Gesserit can neutralize the poison, which, we are told repeatedly, would kill any man.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024
The antibodies that are best able to hold on can most effectively neutralize its toxicity.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutralize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
neutralizer
noun
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər
Medical Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
variants
also British neutralise
neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising
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
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
also British neutraliser
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share