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

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# neutralize

verb (neutralize, neutralizes, neutralized, neutralizing); UK also neutralise

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

## Everyday

1. To stop something from having an effect, so it no longer does harm. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#m1)
2. (science) To mix an acid with a base (alkali) so that the result is neither acid nor alkali. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#m2)
3. (formal, euphemism) In war or crime stories, to stop or kill an enemy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#m3)

### In the lessons

In science lessons, toothpaste or baking soda neutralizes acid, and indigestion tablets neutralize stomach acid; you test with litmus paper or indicator. In games and stories a team neutralizes a threat. Phrases: neutralize an acid, neutralize a smell, neutralize the threat.

### Examples

- Baking soda can neutralize vinegar. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x1)
- We added alkali to neutralize the acid in the test tube. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x2)
- Bee stings are acid, so some people use soap to neutralize them. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x3)
- The charcoal neutralized the bad smell in the fridge. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x4)
- The defender neutralized their best striker. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x5)
- The soldiers were told to neutralize the threat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/neutralize/#x6)

### Note

US spelling neutralize, UK often neutralise. Noun: neutralization. Linked to «neutral» (in the middle, pH 7). Safety: never mix cleaning chemicals at home to «neutralize» them. Watch the euphemism: in war news «neutralize» can mean kill.

## On Mova

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