neutralize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To stop something from having an effect by balancing it out.

   The medicine neutralizes the excess acid in your stomach.

2. 2
   verb

   To make a substance chemically neutral, neither acid nor base.

   Adding lime to the soil neutralizes its acidity.

3. 3
   verb

   To remove a threat or enemy, often by force.

   The security team moved in to neutralize the threat.

From French neutraliser (first attested in 1642). By surface analysis, neutral + -ize.

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