# neutered

/ˈnutɝd/ (US) · /njˈuːtəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neutered
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

to remove the ability of an animal to have babies. It is a common word for when a pet is fixed so it cannot reproduce.

For teachers: to perform a surgical procedure on an animal to remove its reproductive organs, thereby rendering it incapable of reproduction. Often used in the past participle form to describe the state of an animal.

## Examples

- The vet neutered the cat last week.
- Many pet owners choose to have their dogs neutered to prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain health risks.
- While the term is most frequently applied to domestic animals, it can also describe the removal of a person's ability to act or feel, such as when a political speech is neutered by heavy censorship.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.