C1verbUK spelling: neutraliseformalscience
US/ˈnuː.trə.laɪz/
UK/ˈnjuː.trə.laɪz/
to stop something from having an effect, especially by adding something with the opposite effect
In context
Farmers add lime to neutralize acid in the soil.
The antivirus program neutralized the threat before any files were lost.
Strong coffee can neutralize the smell of fish in a fridge.
Words that go with neutralize
verb + noun
- neutralize the threatThe security team acted fast to neutralize the threat.
- neutralize acidBaking soda can neutralize acid in a cleaning emergency.
- neutralize the effectHigher wages may neutralize the effect of rising prices.
- neutralize toxinsThe liver helps neutralize toxins in the blood.
adverb + verb
- effectively neutralizeThese antibodies effectively neutralize the virus.