neutralize

(no̵̅o̅trə līz′, nyo̵̅o̅-)

transitive verb neutralized, neutralizing

  1. to declare (a territory, nation, etc.) neutral in war; declare open to all nations under international law and exempt from attack
  2. to make ineffective; destroy or counteract the effectiveness, force, disposition, etc. of
  3. Chem. to destroy the distinctive or active properties of: an alkali neutralizes an acid
  4. Elec. to make electrically neutral

Origin: Fr neutraliser

Related Forms:

See neutralize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb neu·tral·ized, neu·tral·iz·ing, neu·tral·iz·es
  1. To make neutral.
  2. To counterbalance or counteract the effect of; render ineffective.
  3. To declare neutral and therefore inviolable during a war.
  4. Chemistry
    a. To make (a solution) neutral.
    b. To cause (an acid or base) to undergo neutralization.
  5. Medicine To counteract the effect of (a drug or toxin).
  6. Slang To remove as a threat, especially by killing.

Related Forms:

  • neuˈtral·izˌer noun

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