neut
ra
lize
Third Person
neutralizes
Present Participle
neutralizing
Past Tense
neutralized
Past Participle
neutralized
1
to take action to counter the effects of something
transitive
- In response to the cyberattack, the IT team worked to neutralize the malicious software and protect the company's data.
- Environmental agencies are collaborating to neutralize the impact of industrial waste on local water sources.
- If a virus outbreak occurs, health authorities have plans to neutralize its effects swiftly.
- Diplomatic efforts were made to neutralize tensions between the two neighboring countries.
- The vaccine development team successfully neutralized the spread of the infectious disease last year.
Synonyms:
2
to officially declare or establish a territory, nation, or group as neutral, ensuring it remains uninvolved and protected during a conflict
transitive
- The country sought to neutralize the region, ensuring it remained a neutral zone during the war.
- The peace agreement was signed to neutralize the territory and prevent any military occupation.
- The United Nations helped to neutralize the nation, making it inviolable under international law.
- In response to threats of invasion, the smaller country worked to neutralize its borders.
- The decision to neutralize the disputed region was a key component of the peace talks.
3
to make an acidic or alkaline substance neutral by adding a substance that cancels out its pH level
transitive
- The chemist used a base to neutralize the acid in the reaction.
- To neutralize the acidic soil, they added lime to balance the pH levels.
- The scientist carefully neutralized the strong alkali with an appropriate acid.
- To prevent corrosion, they neutralized the chemical spill with a neutralizing agent.
- The lemon juice was neutralized by adding baking soda to the solution.
4
to deactivate or render harmless a bomb or similar weapon by disarming or defusing it
transitive
- The bomb squad was called in to neutralize the unexploded device found near the school.
- The technician carefully neutralized the bomb by cutting the right wires.
- The military team successfully neutralized the landmine before anyone could get close.
- The expert worked quickly to neutralize the bomb, preventing a potential disaster.
- They neutralized the bomb in the train station, ensuring the safety of thousands of commuters.
5
to eliminate a threat by killing or incapacitating someone who poses danger
transitive
- The military operation aimed to neutralize the insurgent leaders.
- The police officer was forced to neutralize the armed suspect to prevent further violence.
- In the heat of battle, the soldier had to neutralize multiple enemy combatants.
- The mission was to neutralize key targets without causing collateral damage.
- The guards were trained to neutralize any intruders who posed a risk to the building.