[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/neutralise/)

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# neutralise

verb (neutralise, neutralises, neutralised, neutralising; US spelling neutralize)

«neutralise» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (science) To make an acid or alkali neutral by mixing them: an antacid neutralises stomach acid. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#m1)
2. To stop something from having an effect: neutralise the threat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#m2)
3. (euphemism) To kill or destroy an enemy, in military language. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#m3)

### In the lessons

In science lessons about acids and alkalis, neutralisation makes a salt and water; for example, baking soda neutralises a bee sting's acid (simple model). In sport and news, a team neutralises an opponent's attack. The military euphemism hides killing. Phrases: neutralise an acid, neutralise the threat.

### Examples

- Toothpaste neutralises the acid in your mouth. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x1)
- An antacid tablet neutralises stomach acid. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x2)
- Lime is added to soil to neutralise acid. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x3)
- The defender neutralised the striker's speed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x4)
- The report said the soldiers neutralised the target (a euphemism for killing). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x5)
- We used indicator paper to see when the acid was neutralised. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x6)
- The smell was neutralised with baking soda. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/#x7)

### Note

UK/Aus/NZ spelling: neutralise; US/Canada: neutralize. Noun: neutralisation. In chemistry: acid + alkali → salt + water; a neutral solution has pH 7.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «neutralise» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralise/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«neutralise» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/neutralise.html) on Mova free.