neutralize — to make something ineffective or harmless by counteracting it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make something ineffective or harmless by counteracting it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnuːtrəlaɪz/
Example Sentences
- My cat neutralized my alarm clock by sitting on it, so I was late for the civil service exam.
- The government sent negotiators to neutralize the tension between the two countries.
- Eating garlic bread before a date might neutralize any romantic mood—choose wisely.
neutralize
VERB[/ˈnuːtrəlaɪz/]
to make something ineffective or harmless by counteracting it
The bomb squad expert works fast to neutralize the device before time runs out.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'neutralize' derives from the Latin 'neuter' (neutral, taking neither side) combined with the suffix '-ize', which comes from Greek and means 'to make or become'. The term originally meant to render something neutral or balanced, but evolved to mean rendering something ineffective or powerless by counteracting its force.
Breakdown
neuter- (Latin, neutral; neither side) + -al (adjective suffix) + -ize (Greek suffix, to make or cause to be) = neutralize (to render neutral or ineffective; to counteract or cancel out).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat neutralized my alarm clock by sitting on it, so I was late for the civil service exam.”
“The government sent negotiators to neutralize the tension between the two countries.”
“Eating garlic bread before a date might neutralize any romantic mood—choose wisely.”
“Antioxidants in the fruit help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.”
📚Related Words
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