Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make chemically neutral: To cause a substance to be neither acidic nor basic by adding an appropriate chemical agent.
   • To make ineffective by counterbalancing: To offset the force, effect, or value of something, rendering it null or harmless.
   • To make militarily incapable: To render a force, position, or capability unable to engage in combat or pose a threat.
   • To eliminate as a threat: To get rid of a dangerous person, typically by killing them.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The chemist added a base to neutralise the acidic solution.
  • Her calm demeanor helped to neutralise the tension in the room.
  • The air force's mission was to neutralise the enemy's radar installations.
  • The spy was neutralised to prevent him from leaking more secrets.

Advanced Usage

• "to neutralise an advantage": to cancel out a competitive edge.
  • The new regulations neutralise the company's cost advantage.
• "to neutralise a threat": to remove a source of danger.
  • Security forces moved quickly to neutralise the threat.

Variants and Related Words

• Neutralisation (noun): The act or process of making something neutral.
  • The neutralisation of the acid was successful.
• Neutraliser (noun): An agent or person that neutralises.
  • Baking soda can act as a neutraliser for mild acids.
• Neutral (adjective): Not supporting either side in a conflict; having no strong positive or negative qualities.
  • Switzerland remained neutral during the war.

Synonyms

• Counteract: To act against something to reduce its force or effect.
• Nullify: To make something legally or officially void; to cancel out.
• Negate: To nullify or cause to be ineffective.
• Offset: To compensate for or counterbalance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically centered on the word "neutralise".)

Verb

1. make chemically neutral
   • She neutralized the solution
2. make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
   • Her optimism neutralizes his gloom
   • This action will negate the effect of my efforts
3. make incapable of military action
4. get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing
   • The mafia liquidated the informer
   • the double agent was neutralized