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
This productivity step-change neutralizes a historical advantage of mega-firms.
—
Noah Ohrner, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Foods like apples, leafy greens, yogurt and green tea may help to neutralize odor-causing compounds and support beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce unpleasant body odors, said Palinski-Wade.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
The assailant, a lone gunman with extremist affiliations, was quickly neutralized by Secret Service agents, but not before fatally wounding Trump.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
This will help break down the mess and neutralize the smell.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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Noah Ohrner, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Foods like apples, leafy greens, yogurt and green tea may help to neutralize odor-causing compounds and support beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce unpleasant body odors, said Palinski-Wade.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
The assailant, a lone gunman with extremist affiliations, was quickly neutralized by Secret Service agents, but not before fatally wounding Trump.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
This will help break down the mess and neutralize the smell.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 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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