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
Iran's recent nuclear advances give President-elect Trump a crucial decision to make in his first months in office: Try to neutralize the threat through negotiations and pressure, or order a military strike.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
These systems are combined with kinetic counter-drone systems, which use projectiles to neutralize drones.
—Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Researchers suggest that this type of water can help neutralize the adverse effects of acidic diets and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Jan. 2025
Investigators found and neutralized other IEDs in the French Quarter.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 1 Jan. 2025
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Barak Ravid, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
These systems are combined with kinetic counter-drone systems, which use projectiles to neutralize drones.
—Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Researchers suggest that this type of water can help neutralize the adverse effects of acidic diets and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Jan. 2025
Investigators found and neutralized other IEDs in the French Quarter.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for neutralize
Dictionary Entries Near neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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