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
These also have an antioxidant function, neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are damaging compounds that can build up in the body.2
Primarily, healthcare providers recommend or prescribe niacin to help manage unhealthy cholesterol levels, known as dyslipidemia.
—
Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 July 2024
The antioxidants in greens powders may help with chronic inflammation by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024
Pasteurization has been shown to neutralize the virus in milk samples.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 3 July 2024
If they get infected with another type of dengue, the antibodies from the first infection may fail to neutralize the second type —and actually can help the virus enter immune cells and replicate.
—CBS News, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutralize 
Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 July 2024
The antioxidants in greens powders may help with chronic inflammation by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024
Pasteurization has been shown to neutralize the virus in milk samples.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 3 July 2024
If they get infected with another type of dengue, the antibodies from the first infection may fail to neutralize the second type —and actually can help the virus enter immune cells and replicate.
—CBS News, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutralize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutralize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 15 Jul. 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
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