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
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 third-team All-American was completely neutralized by the frontline of Kansas State, which threw constant double teams her way.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The Trojans’ best skill on defense is protecting the paint, but that is neutralized by Kansas State’s ability to space the floor.
—Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
In its statement the court said there was no evidence Han had sought to neutralize the constitution by failing to appoint judges and so should not be impeached.
—Gawon Bae, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
As a result, the tax paid by businesses on these digital services is refunded, effectively neutralizing any revenue that SARS would otherwise collect from these transactions.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The Trojans’ best skill on defense is protecting the paint, but that is neutralized by Kansas State’s ability to space the floor.
—Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
In its statement the court said there was no evidence Han had sought to neutralize the constitution by failing to appoint judges and so should not be impeached.
—Gawon Bae, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
As a result, the tax paid by businesses on these digital services is refunded, effectively neutralizing any revenue that SARS would otherwise collect from these transactions.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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
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