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
These tests only focus on measuring antibody activity that would directly neutralize the bird flu virus.
—
Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, tea tree extract and lavender oil soothe inflammation, while clover flower extract provides antioxidant benefits and neutralizes free radical damage to improve overall skin texture.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
And with conditions like OCD, suppressing anxiety can lead to compulsive behaviors—such as repeating certain phrases or avoiding specific people or places—in an attempt to neutralize fear, which often backfires and worsens it.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025
The Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner has the same blueish tint from Jagua blue extract, just like its matching shampoo, to boost the vibrancy of your color while neutralizing brassy pigments.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, tea tree extract and lavender oil soothe inflammation, while clover flower extract provides antioxidant benefits and neutralizes free radical damage to improve overall skin texture.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
And with conditions like OCD, suppressing anxiety can lead to compulsive behaviors—such as repeating certain phrases or avoiding specific people or places—in an attempt to neutralize fear, which often backfires and worsens it.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025
The Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner has the same blueish tint from Jagua blue extract, just like its matching shampoo, to boost the vibrancy of your color while neutralizing brassy pigments.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 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 23 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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