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
Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 85 drones and one missile into the country overnight, of which 49 drones were shot down or otherwise neutralized.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2025
Frederiksen has a broader support base than many as a Social Democrat whose tough immigration policies have helped neutralize support for the far-right.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
The issue at the heart of Harmon’s woes is a provision in the state’s 2009 campaign finance reform law that was meant to neutralize the effect of big money on Illinois politics.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Saliva neutralizes acids and flushes out bacteria, said Sachar.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2025
Frederiksen has a broader support base than many as a Social Democrat whose tough immigration policies have helped neutralize support for the far-right.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
The issue at the heart of Harmon’s woes is a provision in the state’s 2009 campaign finance reform law that was meant to neutralize the effect of big money on Illinois politics.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Saliva neutralizes acids and flushes out bacteria, said Sachar.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 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 16 Jun. 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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