Neutralize: meaning, definitions and examples
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neutralize
[ ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz ]
chemistry
To make a substance neutral, especially by adding an acid or a base.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The chemist neutralized the acid with a base.
- After neutralizing the solution, it became safe to handle.
- She neutralized the pH of the water to ensure it was safe for the fish.
social
To make something less extreme, offensive, or threatening by introducing something opposite.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The comedian neutralized the tension in the room with a light-hearted joke.
- She tried to neutralize the conflict by offering a compromise.
- He neutralized the negative feedback by highlighting the positive aspects.
Translations
Translations of the word "neutralize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 neutralizar
🇮🇳 निष्प्रभावी करना
🇩🇪 neutralisieren
🇮🇩 menetralisirkan
🇺🇦 нейтралізувати
🇵🇱 zneutralizować
🇯🇵 中和する (ちゅうわする)
🇫🇷 neutraliser
🇪🇸 neutralizar
🇹🇷 nötralize etmek
🇰🇷 중화하다 (중화하다)
🇸🇦 تحييد
🇨🇿 neutralizovat
🇸🇰 neutralizovať
🇨🇳 中和 (zhōnghé)
🇸🇮 nevtralizirati
🇮🇸 hlutleysa
🇰🇿 бейтараптандыру
🇬🇪 ნეიტრალიზება
🇦🇿 neytrallaşdırmaq
🇲🇽 neutralizar
Word origin
The word 'neutralize' originates from the Latin word 'neutralis', which means 'neuter' or 'neither'. The term first appeared in the mid-18th century in the context of chemistry, referring to the process of making a substance neutral. Over time, its usage expanded to include social and political contexts, indicating the act of counteracting or balancing opposing forces or influences.
See also: neutrality, neutralization, neutrally.