neutralize
neutralize Lexical Profile
neutralize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make something ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect.
"Adding a pinch of sugar can help neutralize the excessive acidity of the tomato sauce."
To make an acidic or alkaline substance chemically neutral (having a pH of 7).
"The technician used sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the spilled acid on the laboratory floor."
To exempt or exclude a territory or state from hostilities by international agreement.
"The post-war treaty sought to neutralize the border region so that neither country could station troops there."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French 'neutraliser', derived from Medieval Latin 'neutralis' ('of neuter gender, neutral') and ultimately from Latin 'neuter' ('neither of two').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.