neutralize

• POS: Verb (usu participle)
• HYPHEN: neu=tral=ize

CIDE DICTIONARY

neutralize, v. t. [Cf. F. neutraliser.].

•  To render neutral; to reduce to a state of neutrality.  [1913 Webster]

  "So here I am neutralized again."  [1913 Webster]
•  To render inert or imperceptible the peculiar affinities of, as a chemical substance; to destroy the effect of; as, to neutralize an acid with a base.  [1913 Webster]
•  To destroy the peculiar properties or opposite dispositions of; to reduce to a state of indifference or inefficiency; to counteract; to render ineffective; as, to neutralize parties in government; to neutralize efforts, opposition, etc.  [1913 Webster]

  "Counter citations that neutralize each other."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

neutralize, v.tr. (also -ise)
1 make neutral.
2 counterbalance; render ineffective by an opposite force or effect.
3 exempt or exclude (a place) from the sphere of hostilities.

Derivative

neutralization n. neutralizer n.

Etymology

F neutraliser f. med.L neutralizare (as NEUTRAL)

THESAURUS

neutralize

abrogate, absorb the shock, annul, balance, break the fall, bring to nothing, buffer, cancel, cancel out, come to nothing, compensate, compensate for, conquer, counteract, counterbalance, countercheck, counterpoise, countervail, cushion, damp, dampen, deaden, defeat, delete, equalize, even, frustrate, invalidate, make up for, negate, negativate, negative, nullify, offset, overcome, override, overrule, redress, show consideration, show mercy, show pity, soften, soften the blow, square, stultify, subdue, suppress, thwart, undo, vitiate, void

ROGET THESAURUS

neutralize

Compensation

VB make compensation, compensate, compense, indemnify, counteract, countervail, counterpoise, balance, outbalance, overbalance, counterbalance, set off, hedge, square, give and take, make up for, lee way, cover, fill up, neutralize, nullify, equalize, make good, redeem.

Counteraction

VB counteract, run counter, clash, cross, interfere with, conflict with, contravene, jostle, go against, run against, beat against, militate against, stultify, antagonize, block, oppose, traverse, withstand, hinder, repress, react, undo, neutralize, counterpoise, overpoise.