neutralize

especially British, neu·tral·ise

[noo-truh-lahyz, nyoo-]

verb (used with object)

neutralized, neutralizing 

1. to make neutral; cause to undergo neutralization.

2. to make (something) ineffective; counteract; nullify.

   carelessness that neutralized our efforts.

3. Military.,  to put out of action or make incapable of action.

   to neutralize an enemy position.

4. to declare neutral; invest with neutrality in order to exempt from involvement during a war.

   to neutralize a city to prevent bombing.

5. to add an acid to a basic solution or a base to an acidic solution until the resulting solution is chemically neutral (pH = 7).

6. Electricity.,  to render electrically or magnetically neutral.

verb (used without object)

neutralized, neutralizing 

1. to become neutral or neutralized; undergo neutralization.

   With this additive the solution begins to neutralize.

neutralize

/ ˈnjuːtrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (also intr) to render or become ineffective or neutral by counteracting, mixing, etc; nullify

2. (also intr) to make or become electrically or chemically neutral

3. to exclude (a country) from the sphere of warfare or alliances by international agreement

   the great powers neutralized Belgium in the 19th century

4. to render (an army) incapable of further military action

neutralize

1. To cause an acidic solution to become neutral by adding a base to it or to cause a basic solution to become neutral by adding an acid to it. Salt and water are usually formed in the process.

Other Word Forms

• neutralizer noun
• neutralization noun
• overneutralize verb (used with object)
• overneutralizer noun
• reneutralize verb
• unneutralize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of neutralize¹

First recorded in 1655–65; neutral + -ize

Example Sentences

The so-called “kingpin strategy,” centered on neutralizing cartel leadership, has also fractured Mexico’s cartel landscape, making it even more difficult for the state to contain the problem.

From Los Angeles Times

California’s new lines would neutralize efforts in Texas to redraw their congressional district maps to help elect five more GOP candidates in 2026.

From Los Angeles Times

The Democrats agreed to return to Texas last week and pointed to California’s tit-for-tat effort as one measure of success, saying the Golden State could neutralize any Republican gains in Texas.

From Los Angeles Times

With the Brits neutralized, Polk could proceed to expand the country to the southwest.

From Salon

Her performance was resounding because of her tactical control, mobility and ability to neutralize Vega’s offense, who was unable to break her strategy or avoid the cleaner punches.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compensate for www.thesaurus.com
• counterbalance 
• negate 
• nullify 
• offset 
• overcome 
• redress 
• subdue