CEFR B2

neutralize

verb

Meaning

Make something ineffective or harmless by applying an opposing force or substance.

Examples

The security team acted quickly to neutralize the threat before it could cause any damage.
Baking soda is often used to neutralize acidic spills on laboratory surfaces.

Synonyms: cancel, counteract, nullify, offset

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neutralize (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈnuːtrəlaɪz/

Definition

Make something ineffective or harmless by applying an opposing force or substance.

Examples

The security team acted quickly to neutralize the threat before it could cause any damage.
Baking soda is often used to neutralize acidic spills on laboratory surfaces.
Diplomats worked throughout the night to neutralize the growing tension between the two nations.

How to Use neutralize

neutralize a threat (collocation): to stop a danger from being active — "The police were forced to neutralize a threat posed by the armed suspect."
neutralize an effect (collocation): to cancel out the result of something — "Regular exercise helps to neutralize the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle."

Synonyms of neutralize

Words with a similar meaning to neutralize:

Antonyms of neutralize

Words with the opposite meaning to neutralize:

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