Neutralize Definition & Meaning
neutralize
- verb
- make politically neutral and thus inoffensive; "The treaty neutralized the small republic"
- make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of; "Her optimism neutralizes his gloom"; "This action will negate the effect of my efforts"
- oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions; "This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues"
- get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing; "The mafia liquidated the informer"; "the double agent was neutralized"
- make incapable of military action
- make chemically neutral; "She neutralized the solution"
Words that rhyme with neutralize
Usage tips for "neutralize"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "neutralize" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for neutralize to find words that pair well.