verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

neutralize

NYOOT-ruh-lyz

Neutralize (verb) means to cancel out or remove the effect of something. Example: “Baking soda can neutralize strong odors in the fridge.”

verb

To cancel out or remove the effect of something.

"Baking soda can neutralize strong odors in the fridge."

"The vaccine helps the body neutralize the virus."

To make an acidic or alkaline substance chemically neutral.

"Adding lime to the soil neutralizes its acidity."

How to use neutralize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cancel out an effect, or to make a substance chemically neutral.

UK vs US

British English also spells it "neutralise."

Common pairings

neutralize a threat neutralize acid neutralize an odor

Word forms

neutralized past tense, neutralizes singular

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Baking soda can _____ strong odors in the fridge.

Etymology

From French neutraliser, first recorded in 1642, built from neutral plus -ize.

Origin: French · First attested 1642

Class of 1642 neutralize joined the language around 1642.

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Synonyms

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waste counteract negate liquidate do in nullify knock off neutralise countervail counterbalance

Related words

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Rhymes for neutralize

size maize prize Belize utilize capsize realize baptize idolize optimize monetize colonize

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Frequently asked questions

What does “neutralize” mean?

The word “neutralize” means to cancel out or remove the effect of something. In plain terms, to cancel out an effect, or to make a substance chemically neutral.

How do you pronounce “neutralize”?

“Neutralize” is pronounced NYOOT-ruh-lyz (/ˈnutɹəˌlaɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “neutralize” in a sentence?

Here is “neutralize” used in a sentence: “Baking soda can neutralize strong odors in the fridge.”

What part of speech is “neutralize”?

“Neutralize” is a verb.

Where does the word “neutralize” come from?

The word “neutralize” dates back to around 1642 and comes from French. From French neutraliser, first recorded in 1642, built from neutral plus -ize.

Is “neutralize” a common word?

“Neutralize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “neutralize” have?

“Neutralize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cancel out or remove the effect of something.

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