Word
neutralize
Phoneticsneu·tral·ize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈnutɹəˌɫaɪz/
UK spelling · neutralise
Definition
v. to stop something from being effective or dangerous. You use this when you want to balance out a force or make a threat harmless.
v. to render something ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect. In military or security contexts, it serves as a euphemism for killing or capturing an opponent.
Examples
“The alkaline solution will neutralize the acid.”
“The security team moved quickly to neutralize the threat before any bystanders were injured.”
“By introducing a series of tax credits, the government hoped to neutralize the negative economic impact of the new carbon levy on small businesses.”
Examples
simple
“The alkaline solution will neutralize the acid.”
contextual
“The security team moved quickly to neutralize the threat before any bystanders were injured.”
complex
“By introducing a series of tax credits, the government hoped to neutralize the negative economic impact of the new carbon levy on small businesses.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
neutralize against the poison
neutralize the poison
Neutralize is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the object.
Real-World Examples
“Some body wash products are marketed as neutralizing 2-nonenal, such as soap made with persimmon.” “Secondly, it is about “neutralising” leftwing forces in Latin America more generally and boosting the right in the hope of helping to elect even more Trump-aligned leaders.” Etymology
From French neutraliser (first attested in 1642). By surface analysis, neutral + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/neutralize