Neutralizer: meaning, definitions and examples

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neutralizer

 

[ ˈnjuːtrəlaɪzər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

chemical

A substance that counteracts or neutralizes the effect of another substance.

Synonyms

antidote, corrective, counteractant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neutralizer

Used in a general sense when referring to something that counteracts or nullifies the effects of another substance or force.

  • Activated charcoal acts as a neutralizer for many types of poisons
  • The noise canceling headphones serve as a neutralizer for background sounds
counteractant

Used in a scientific or technical context, often referring to a substance or agent that counteracts another substance.

  • Scientists are searching for a counteractant to the harmful effects of the new chemical
  • The new formulation includes a counteractant to prevent the buildup of harmful residues
antidote

Specifically used in a medical or toxicological context to describe a remedy that counteracts the effects of poison or toxin.

  • The doctor administered an antidote to neutralize the snake venom
  • Charcoal can sometimes act as an antidote for certain types of poisoning
corrective

Used when referring to something that is intended to correct or rectify a problem, mistake, or undesirable condition.

  • He implemented corrective measures to improve the company's performance
  • The teacher provided corrective feedback to help the student improve

Examples of usage

  • The neutralizer was added to the solution to balance the pH level.
  • The hair dye came with a neutralizer to prevent damage to the hair fibers.
Context #2 | Noun

social

A person or thing that neutralizes or cancels out the effect of something else.

Synonyms

harmonizer, mediator, peacemaker.

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Word Description / Examples
neutralizer

Used in situations where the objective is to remove or counteract something harmful, often in a scientific, military, or controversial setting.

  • The chemical neutralizer was applied to counteract the acid spill.
  • The army used a neutralizer to defuse the situation.
peacemaker

Used in situations where the aim is to end conflicts and bring about peace, often in social, interpersonal, or political contexts.

  • She always plays the role of peacemaker in family arguments.
  • The peacemaker was essential in negotiating the ceasefire between the warring factions.
mediator

Typically used in formal or legal settings where an impartial person helps resolve a dispute or conflict.

  • The mediator helped the couple reach an agreement during their divorce proceedings.
  • During the business negotiations, a mediator was brought in to facilitate the discussion.
harmonizer

Used in situations where the goal is to create harmony or balance, often in a social or musical context.

  • The teacher acted as a harmonizer in the classroom to ensure everyone was getting along.
  • In the choir, the harmonizer helped blend the different voices.

Examples of usage

  • She was the neutralizer in the heated argument, calming both sides down.
  • His sense of humor acted as a neutralizer in tense situations.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To counteract or nullify the effect of something.

Synonyms

cancel out, counterbalance, offset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
neutralizer

Used when referring to a tool, substance, or mechanism that makes something less harmful or less effective.

  • An air purifier can act as a neutralizer for pollutants
  • The neutralizer in the solution reduces acidity
cancel out

Informal context referring to actions, effects, or forces that directly negate each other.

  • The gains in one area cancel out the losses in another
  • The noise from the street cancels out the peaceful music
offset

Used in financial, environmental, or general contexts to describe something that compensates for or reduces the impact of another thing.

  • The tax credits will offset some of the costs
  • Planting trees can offset carbon emissions
counterbalance

Used when discussing things that balance or offset each other in a balanced or compensatory way, often in mechanics or abstract situations.

  • The weight on one side counterbalances the weight on the other
  • His calmness served to counterbalance her anxiety

Examples of usage

  • She tried to neutralize the impact of the negative comments by focusing on the positive aspects.
  • The government aimed to neutralize the threat posed by the terrorist group.

Translations

Translations of the word "neutralizer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 neutralizador

🇮🇳 न्यूट्रलाइज़र

🇩🇪 Neutralisator

🇮🇩 netralizer

🇺🇦 нейтралізатор

🇵🇱 neutralizator

🇯🇵 中和剤 (ちゅうわざい)

🇫🇷 neutralisant

🇪🇸 neutralizador

🇹🇷 nötrleştirici

🇰🇷 중화제 (중화제)

🇸🇦 المحايد

🇨🇿 neutralizátor

🇸🇰 neutralizátor

🇨🇳 中和剂 (zhōng hé jì)

🇸🇮 nevtralizator

🇮🇸 hlutleysir

🇰🇿 бейтараптандырғыш

🇬🇪 ნეიტრალიზატორი

🇦🇿 neytrallaşdırıcı

🇲🇽 neutralizador

Etymology

The word 'neutralizer' originates from the term 'neutralize', which comes from the Latin word 'neutralis', meaning 'neuter' or 'neither one nor the other'. The concept of neutralization has been used in various fields such as chemistry, social dynamics, and warfare to denote the action of counteracting or cancelling out the effects of something. The notion of balance and equilibrium is central to the idea of neutralization.

See also: neutralizing.