Neutralize
ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something ineffective or harmless; to counteract or balance the effect of something else.
ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz
To make something ineffective or harmless.
The police neutralized the threat by arresting the suspect.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero with a power that makes bad guys not able to fight anymore. That superhero's power neutralizes the bad guys, making them harmless. It's like cancelling out the bad stuff.
👶 For kids: To make something safe or not able to hurt you.
More Examples
The chemical reaction neutralized the acid.
The company tried to neutralize the negative publicity with a new ad campaign.
How It's Used
"The soldiers neutralized the enemy's defenses."
"Adding an acid to a base will neutralize the solution."
"The politician attempted to neutralize criticism by addressing the concerns directly."
To make a place or person neutral, particularly in a conflict.
ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz
To render a position or country neutral (in war).
The UN sought to neutralize the border region to prevent further violence.
💡 Simply: Imagine a country is in the middle of a big fight between two other countries. If everyone agrees to make that country neutral, it's like the country can't take any sides in the fight.
👶 For kids: To make a place safe during a war so no one has to fight there.
More Examples
They are trying to neutralize the country, preventing it from joining either side in the war.
How It's Used
"The United Nations attempted to neutralize the conflict zone."
Idioms & expressions
neutralize a threat
To remove or minimize something that poses danger or harm.
"The security team acted quickly to neutralize the threat to the CEO's safety."
From French neutraliser, from neutre ('neutral') + -ize (a verb-forming suffix). 'Neutral' itself comes from Latin neuter, meaning 'neither'.
The term 'neutralize' has been used in military and political contexts for several centuries, with its applications evolving alongside advances in warfare and diplomacy.
Memory tip
Think of a football game: when a team's defense NEUTRALIZES the opposing team's offense, the other team can't score, and the game gets balanced again.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: neutr