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
The company, then more than two decades old, had been late to embrace the internet but now was using its power to neutralize its rival Netscape, ensconce its Internet Explorer as the victor, and eventually win the browser war.
—
Steven Levy, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Along its course, bile from the liver and fluid from the pancreas mix with the chyme, neutralizing the stomach acids and helping to digest food.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024
News of a second Trump presidency would likely neutralize any hope for a strong climate finance agreement in Baku.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Eventually, the fun stopped against Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16 with the Italian employing his array of movement and tactical nous to neutralize an opponent feeling the pace of a Slam fortnight.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutralize 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steven Levy, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Along its course, bile from the liver and fluid from the pancreas mix with the chyme, neutralizing the stomach acids and helping to digest food.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024
News of a second Trump presidency would likely neutralize any hope for a strong climate finance agreement in Baku.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Eventually, the fun stopped against Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16 with the Italian employing his array of movement and tactical nous to neutralize an opponent feeling the pace of a Slam fortnight.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
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 30 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share