neutralize
/ˈnjuːtrəlʌɪz
/(also neutralise)
verb [with object]
1Make (something) ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect: impatience at his frailty began to neutralize her fear...
- In addition, any other effects of cortisol are neutralized by RU - 486.
- Winfield has excellent coverage skills and often was able to neutralize the slot receiver opposite him.
- This has the odd effect of partially neutralising Dafoe's excellent performance, creating a character who is Bugs Bunny-like, capable of partaking in comic one-liners.
Synonyms
counteract, offset, counterbalance, balance (out), counterpoise, countervail, compensate for, make up for;
cancel out, make/render ineffective, nullify, negate, annul, undo, invalidate, be an antidote to, wipe out;
equalize, even up, square up
rare negative, counterweigh
1.1Make (an acidic or alkaline substance) chemically neutral: splashes on skin should be neutralized immediately...
- It is also the opposite of baking and washing soda; it is acidic and therefore neutralizes alkaline or caustic substances.
- This neutralizes carbonic acid and transports carbon dioxide in the blood.
- Baking soda, a gentle alkaline powder, neutralizes odor-causing acids by restoring your skin's natural pH level.
1.2Disarm (a bomb or similar weapon): 120 bombs were neutralized...
- Battle Dog then proceeded to mop up, neutralizing the Scimitar's remaining weapon emplacements, rendering it a toothless predator.
- After safely moving the dozens of innocent civilians who would likely have otherwise been killed by a blast, the police neutralized the car bomb.
- The goal of this and other testing was to perfect the use of nuclear explosions in space to neutralize the ballistic missiles of a supposed opponent.
1.3(In military or espionage contexts) used euphemistically to refer to killing or destruction: counter-intelligence programmes designed to neutralize individuals...
- The traditional military aims to destroy, defeat, or neutralize the enemy's military capability, and this remains a fundamental concept.
- But al Qaeda and its allies are a real danger to the United States, and these foes cannot be neutralized by military might alone.
- But all international terrorist leaders are yet to be neutralized.
Derivatives
neutralization
/ noun ...- The neutralization of the United States and removal of the U.S. alliance system in Korea is essential from Pyongyang's perspective.
- According to France's Interior Ministry, the group had sent several letters demanding payment in exchange for the neutralization of several bombs.
- The agreement shall fix the beginning and the duration of the neutralization of the zone.
neutralizer
/ noun ...- If you need to freshen your hair after a workout or a night of clubbin', use a spray-on hair odor neutralizer, which you can find at the drugstore.
- Between 1980 and 2003, research by some of the top medical organizations and universities resulted in over 42 studies on starch neutralizers and their effects.
- Camouflaged clothing and scent neutralizers can fool a whitetail's eyes and nose, but there's no mistaking a human voice.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French neutraliser, from medieval Latin neutralizare, from Latin neutralis (see neutral).