neutralize
gb/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/ us/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/
B2
English
semlegesít, ellensúlyoz, ártalmatlanná tesz, hatástalanít
VERB
B2
1
semlegesít
B2
ellensúlyoz
C1
Usage pattern:
neutralize [something]
Drinking water can help neutralize the burning sensation after spicy food.
Az ivóvíz segíthet semlegesíteni a csípős étel utáni égő érzést.
The new policy was meant to neutralize the risk of sudden price increases.
Az új szabályzat célja az volt, hogy ellensúlyozza a hirtelen áremelkedések kockázatát.
They added extra insulation to neutralize street noise at night.
Learner examples
This medicine can neutralize the poison.
Ez a gyógyszer képes semlegesíteni a mérget.
The good news neutralized my worry.
A jó hír eloszlatta az aggodalmamat.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with neutral (adjective). Also note spelling: neutralize (AmE) vs neutralise (BrE).
Meaning
make something ineffective
Collocations
neutralize the effect
|neutralize the impact
|neutralize the risk
|neutralize the damage
|neutralize a problem
|neutralize the negative effects
|neutralize a toxin
|neutralize a virus
|neutralize the pain
|be neutralized by
Synonyms
counteract (Often used for reducing or opposing an effect.)
|
offset (Suggests balancing an effect with an equal opposite effect.)
|
nullify (More formal; suggests making something legally or practically void.)
Antonyms
intensify (Makes the effect stronger rather than removing it.)
|
reinforce (Adds support so something has more effect.)
Themes
daily_life
|health
|business
|problem_solving
Definition
To stop something from having an effect.
To counteract something so that it no longer has an effect or is no longer a problem.
VERB
C1
TECHNICAL
2
semlegesít
B2
Usage pattern:
neutralize [acid/base] (with [substance])
Use sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acid before cleaning it up.
Használj szódabikarbónát a sav semlegesítésére, mielőtt feltakarítod.
The lab technician neutralized the solution and then tested the pH again.
A laboráns semlegesítette az oldatot, majd újra megmérte a pH-t.
Lime is sometimes added to neutralize acidic soil.
Learner examples
Baking soda can neutralize acid.
A szódabikarbóna semlegesítheti a savat.
The teacher showed how to neutralize a solution.
A tanár megmutatta, hogyan kell semlegesíteni egy oldatot.
Common mistake:
In chemistry, neutralize is about pH; it does not necessarily mean “make harmless” in every context.
Meaning
make an acid or base neutral
Collocations
neutralize an acid
|neutralize a base
|neutralize the solution
|neutralize the mixture
|neutralize the spill
|neutralize with baking soda
|neutralizing agent
|neutralizing solution
|neutralization reaction
|neutralize the pH
Synonyms
bring to neutral pH (More explicit; often used in lab instructions.)
|
deacidify (Specific to reducing acidity; not always a full neutralization.)
Antonyms
acidify (Makes something more acidic.)
|
alkalize (Makes something more basic (alkaline).)
Themes
science
|chemistry
|health
Definition
To make something not acidic and not basic.
To make a substance chemically neutral by reacting an acid with a base (or vice versa) so the mixture is close to pH 7.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
neutralize [someone/something]
Police said the suspect was neutralized before anyone else was hurt.
A rendőrség szerint a gyanúsítottat ártalmatlanná tették, mielőtt bárki más megsérült volna.
The strike was intended to neutralize the radar system.
A csapás célja a radarrendszer hatástalanítása volt.
The team trained for months to neutralize explosive devices safely.
Learner examples
The guards neutralized the attacker.
Az őrök ártalmatlanná tették a támadót.
They neutralized the bomb.
Hatástalanították a bombát.
Common mistake:
This sense is often used in news and military/police contexts; it can imply force and may sound harsh in everyday conversation.
Meaning
disable an enemy or threat
Collocations
neutralize the threat
|neutralize an attacker
|neutralize enemy forces
|neutralize a target
|neutralize defenses
|neutralize a bomb
|neutralize a missile system
|neutralize a stronghold
|neutralize a suspect
|mission to neutralize
Synonyms
disable (Focuses on making something unable to function.)
|
eliminate (Stronger; often implies removing completely, sometimes by killing.)
|
subdue (Emphasizes bringing a person under control rather than destroying.)
Antonyms
arm (Gives someone the means to attack or resist.)
|
activate (Makes a system or device operational.)
Themes
news
|crime
|military
|security
Definition
To stop a threat from being dangerous or effective.
To stop a person, group, or weapon from being able to act effectively, especially by disabling, capturing, or destroying them.
VERB
B2
4
semlegesít
B2
Usage pattern:
neutralize [odor/smell/taste]
An open box of baking soda can help neutralize odors in the fridge.
Egy nyitott doboz szódabikarbóna segíthet semlegesíteni a hűtőszekrény szagait.
The chef added a little sugar to neutralize the bitterness of the sauce.
A séf egy kis cukrot adott hozzá, hogy ellensúlyozza a szósz keserűségét.
This spray neutralizes smoke smells instead of just covering them.
Learner examples
This product neutralizes bad smells.
Ez a termék semlegesíti a rossz szagokat.
Lemon can neutralize a strong taste.
A citrom semlegesítheti az erős ízt.
Common mistake:
Neutralize often implies using something to counteract the smell/taste, not just covering it up.
Meaning
remove an unwanted smell or taste
Collocations
neutralize odors
|neutralize a smell
|neutralize bad breath
|neutralize bitterness
|neutralize the taste
|odor-neutralizing spray
|neutralize cooking smells
|neutralize the odor of smoke
|neutralize fishy smell
|neutralize sulfur smell
Synonyms
deodorize (Specifically about removing odors; common for products.)
|
remove (More general; does not imply counteracting.)
|
mask (Means cover up; not the same as truly neutralizing.)
Antonyms
intensify (Makes the smell or taste stronger.)
|
taint (Adds an unpleasant taste or smell.)
Themes
food
|home
|health
|daily_life
Definition
To make a bad smell or taste go away.
To reduce or remove an unwanted smell, taste, or other noticeable quality by counteracting it.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
5
semlegesít
C1
Usage pattern:
neutralize [language/tone/accent]
The editor tried to neutralize the political language so the article sounded impartial.
A szerkesztő megpróbálta semlegesíteni a politikai nyelvezetet, hogy a cikk pártatlannak hasson.
In training, actors learn to neutralize their accent for certain roles.
A képzés során a színészek megtanulják, hogyan semlegesítsék az akcentusukat bizonyos szerepekhez.
They rewrote the email to neutralize the tone and avoid sounding angry.
Learner examples
She neutralized the tone of her message.
Semlegesebbé tette az üzenete hangnemét.
He tried to neutralize his accent.
Megpróbálta semlegesíteni az akcentusát.
Common mistake:
In this sense, neutralize does not mean “approve” or “agree”; it means “make more neutral.”
Meaning
make something more neutral or unbiased
Collocations
neutralize the language
|neutralize the tone
|neutralize an accent
|neutralize gendered language
|neutralize a statement
|neutralize political bias
|neutralize the message
|neutralize emotional impact
|neutralize the color
|neutralize the look
Synonyms
moderate (Suggests making something less extreme or intense.)
|
sanitize (Often implies removing offensive or controversial content; can sound critical.)
|
balance (Emphasizes giving equal weight rather than removing features.)
Antonyms
polarize (Makes positions more extreme or divided.)
|
bias (Introduces partiality rather than removing it.)
Themes
communication
|society
|business
Definition
To make something less biased or less strongly marked.
To remove or reduce strong bias, emotion, or distinctive features so that something seems more neutral or balanced.
Grammar
Dictionary form
neutralize
IPA
GB/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/
US/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
neut - ral - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (neut)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: neutralize
- 3rd Person Singular: neutralizes
- Present Participle: neutralizing
- Past: neutralized
Word family
Forms
neutralizes
verb
neutralizing
verb
neutralized
verb
Core family
Related words
neutrally
adverb
neutralizer
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.