neutralize
gb/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/ us/nˈutɹəlˌaɪz/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
make something ineffective
To stop something from having an effect.
Usage pattern:
neutralize [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with neutral (adjective). Also note spelling: neutralize (AmE) vs neutralise (BrE).
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.)
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
Themes
daily_life
|health
|business
|problem_solving
Examples
- Drinking water can help neutralize the burning sensation after spicy food.
- The new policy was meant to neutralize the risk of sudden price increases.
- They added extra insulation to neutralize street noise at night.
Learner examples
- This medicine can neutralize the poison.
- The good news neutralized my worry.
Verb
technical
C1
process
2
make an acid or base neutral
To make something not acidic and not basic.
Usage pattern:
neutralize [acid/base] (with [substance])
Common mistake:
In chemistry, neutralize is about pH; it does not necessarily mean “make harmless” in every context.
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).)
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
Themes
science
|chemistry
|health
Examples
- Use sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acid before cleaning it up.
- The lab technician neutralized the solution and then tested the pH again.
- Lime is sometimes added to neutralize acidic soil.
Learner examples
- Baking soda can neutralize acid.
- The teacher showed how to neutralize a solution.
Verb
formal
C1
action
3
disable an enemy or threat
To stop a threat from being dangerous or effective.
Usage pattern:
neutralize [someone/something]
Common mistake:
This sense is often used in news and military/police contexts; it can imply force and may sound harsh in everyday conversation.
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.)
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
Themes
news
|crime
|military
|security
Examples
- Police said the suspect was neutralized before anyone else was hurt.
- The strike was intended to neutralize the radar system.
- The team trained for months to neutralize explosive devices safely.
Learner examples
- The guards neutralized the attacker.
- They neutralized the bomb.
Verb
B2
action
4
remove an unwanted smell or taste
To make a bad smell or taste go away.
Usage pattern:
neutralize [odor/smell/taste]
Common mistake:
Neutralize often implies using something to counteract the smell/taste, not just covering it up.
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.)
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
Themes
food
|home
|health
|daily_life
Examples
- An open box of baking soda can help neutralize odors in the fridge.
- The chef added a little sugar to neutralize the bitterness of the sauce.
- This spray neutralizes smoke smells instead of just covering them.
Learner examples
- This product neutralizes bad smells.
- Lemon can neutralize a strong taste.
Verb
formal
C1
process
5
make something more neutral or unbiased
To make something less biased or less strongly marked.
Usage pattern:
neutralize [language/tone/accent]
Common mistake:
In this sense, neutralize does not mean “approve” or “agree”; it means “make more neutral.”
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.)
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
Themes
communication
|society
|business
Examples
- The editor tried to neutralize the political language so the article sounded impartial.
- In training, actors learn to neutralize their accent for certain roles.
- They rewrote the email to neutralize the tone and avoid sounding angry.
Learner examples
- She neutralized the tone of her message.
- He tried to neutralize his accent.
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.