From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Neutralize \Neu"tral*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Neutralized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Neutralizing}.] [Cf. F. neutraliser.]
1. To render neutral; to reduce to a state of neutrality.
[1913 Webster]
So here I am neutralized again. --Sir W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) To render inert or imperceptible the peculiar
affinities of, as a chemical substance; to destroy the
effect of; as, to neutralize an acid with a base.
[1913 Webster]
3. To destroy the peculiar properties or opposite
dispositions of; to reduce to a state of indifference or
inefficiency; to counteract; to render ineffective; as, to
neutralize parties in government; to neutralize efforts,
opposition, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Counter citations that neutralize each other. --E.
Everett.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
neutralize
v 1: make politically neutral and thus inoffensive; "The treaty
neutralized the small republic"
2: make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of; "Her
optimism neutralizes his gloom"; "This action will negate the
effect of my efforts" [syn: {neutralize}, {neutralise},
{nullify}, {negate}]
3: oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions; "This
will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues" [syn:
{counteract}, {countervail}, {neutralize}, {counterbalance}]
4: get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing; "The
mafia liquidated the informer"; "the double agent was
neutralized" [syn: {neutralize}, {neutralise}, {liquidate},
{waste}, {knock off}, {do in}]
5: make incapable of military action [syn: {neutralize},
{neutralise}]
6: make chemically neutral; "She neutralized the solution" [syn:
{neutralize}, {neutralise}]
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