Langimage
English

neutralize

|neu-tral-ize|

B2

/ˈnjuːtrəˌlaɪz/

make ineffective

Etymology
Etymology Information

'neutralize' originates from the French word 'neutraliser,' which is derived from 'neutre,' meaning 'neutral.'

Historical Evolution

'neutraliser' transformed into the English word 'neutralize' during the 18th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make neutral,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to make something ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect.

The medication is used to neutralize stomach acid.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to make a solution chemically neutral, neither acidic nor basic.

The scientist neutralized the acid with a base.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39