Neutralize (Verb)
Meaning 1
Get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing; "The mafia liquidated the informer"; "the double agent was neutralized".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The special forces were sent in to neutralize the enemy's top commander during the raid.
- Their plan involved neutralizing the competition by discrediting them through rumors and false information.
- She was a double agent working for the enemy, and she had to be neutralized before she could do any more harm.
- As the CIA had discovered his true allegiance, the double agent was neutralized before making his escape.
- To avoid being exposed, the organization quickly moved to neutralize the witness who had threatened to reveal their secrets.
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Meaning 2
Make incapable of military action.
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The special forces were sent to neutralize the enemy's ammunition depot.
- The air raid successfully neutralized the enemy's airbase by destroying all of their planes.
- Military leaders planned to neutralize the enemy's defense system by launching a surprise attack.
- The operation aimed to neutralize the rebels' ability to launch further attacks.
- The U.S. drone strike neutralized the high-ranking military officer, crippling the enemy's command structure.
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Meaning 3
Oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions; "This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The antioxidants in the fruit juice help to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the cells.
- She managed to neutralize the opposition's attack with her skilled defensive moves.
- Adding a base can neutralize the acidity of the solution.
- His charming personality helped to neutralize the tension in the room.
- The company's PR team worked to neutralize the negative publicity surrounding the scandal.
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Meaning 4
Make politically neutral and thus inoffensive; "The treaty neutralized the small republic".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The campaign ad was edited to neutralize any language that could be perceived as partisan or inflammatory.
- By removing any religious or cultural references, the company aimed to neutralize the new employee handbook.
- Diplomats worked to neutralize tensions between the warring nations by drafting a mutually agreeable peace treaty.
- The committee sought to neutralize the report's language to avoid offending any particular group or individual.
- The moderator's goal was to neutralize the debate by ensuring that all topics were discussed in a calm and respectful manner.
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Meaning 5
Make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of; "Her optimism neutralizes his gloom"; "This action will negate the effect of my efforts".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The pungent smell of garlic was neutralized by the perfume she was wearing.
- Her presence neutralizes the tense atmosphere, creating a sense of calm.
- The company implemented a new strategy to neutralize the negative impact of the scandal.
- The acidity of the lemon juice neutralizes the alkalinity of the soap, creating a gentle cleanser.
- A charismatic leader may neutralize opposition by successfully addressing concerns and building trust.
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Meaning 6
Make chemically neutral; "She neutralized the solution".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- Adding a mild base managed to neutralize the acidic solution.
- Baking soda is used in some recipes to neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes.
- To stabilize the reaction, we will add a catalyst to neutralize the free radicals.
- The buffering agent will help to neutralize the pH in the mixture.
- She successfully neutralized the highly alkaline solution by slowly adding an acid.