# neutralize

/ˈnutɹəˌɫaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neutralize
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to stop something from being effective or dangerous. You use this when you want to balance out a force or make a threat harmless.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "neutralize against the poison" but "neutralize the poison" — Neutralize is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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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.