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Neutralize: meaning, definitions and examples

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neutralize

 

[ ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To make a substance neutral, especially by adding an acid or a base.

Synonyms

balance, equalize, stabilize

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.
Context #2 | Verb

social

To make something less extreme, offensive, or threatening by introducing something opposite.

Synonyms

alleviate, mitigate, moderate

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,142, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.