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
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing damage.
—
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors and absorbs any moisture.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Botulism antitoxin can neutralize botulinum toxin that’s reached your bloodstream, helping to prevent any further nerve damage to your body.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors and absorbs any moisture.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Botulism antitoxin can neutralize botulinum toxin that’s reached your bloodstream, helping to prevent any further nerve damage to your body.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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