neutralizing
neutralizing — verb
- neutralizingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- neutralizings3rd person singular
- neutralizinging-ing form
- neutralizingedpast simple
1. to take action that stops a force, substance, or situation from continuing to ha
to take action that stops a force, substance, or situation from continuing to have an unwanted influence or result
The government raised interest rates to neutralize the effects of inflation.
neutralize + effect + of + noun (abstract)
Astrid drank a glass of milk to neutralize the spicy food on her tongue.
The goalkeeper's quick reactions neutralized the striker's best chance to score.
A good security system can neutralize most burglary attempts before they happen.
The community center's programs help neutralize the negative effects of poverty on local children.
- counteract
very similar in meaning; counteract often implies a direct opposing action
- offset
used especially in finance or logistics to balance out gains and losses
- cancel out
more informal; suggests two things remove each other's effect completely
文法句型
neutralize + effect/threat/influence of + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used with abstract objects such as effects, threats, influence, or risks. Subject can be a person, an institution, or an action.
常見錯誤
2. to combine a base with an acid so that the resulting liquid has neither acidic n
to combine a base with an acid so that the resulting liquid has neither acidic nor alkaline properties, becoming a neutral substance
Indra added baking soda to the vinegar to neutralize the acid.
neutralize + acid + with + base (chemistry context)
The chemistry teacher showed the class how to neutralize hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide.
Zayd spilled battery acid on the bench and quickly neutralized it with a special powder.
The lab assistant neutralized the leftover acid before pouring it down the sink.
文法句型
neutralize + acid/alkali + with + base/acid
用法筆記
Common in chemistry and cooking contexts. The object is nearly always a specific acid or alkaline substance.
常見錯誤
3. to refer to the killing of a dangerous person by soldiers or government agents,
to refer to the killing of a dangerous person by soldiers or government agents, typically during a planned operation
The government ordered its agents to neutralize the rebel commander before the attack.
military euphemism: neutralize + commander/target
The film shows a secret team sent to neutralize an arms dealer in the mountains.
Tunde plays a spy who must neutralize anyone who uncovers the secret plot.
The military operation successfully neutralized three enemy leaders without harming nearby villagers.
- spare
to choose not to kill someone when you have the power to do so
文法句型
neutralize + enemy/target/threat
用法筆記
Euphemistic. Used especially in news reports and official statements about military or intelligence operations. Distinguish from sense 1 (COUNTERACT), where the object is an effect or influence, not a person.
常見錯誤
4. in professional bike and car races, to halt the competition temporarily so that
in professional bike and car races, to halt the competition temporarily so that the participants can restart the same course later
Heavy rain forced officials to neutralize the race after only eight laps.
racing: neutralize + race/stage
Dahlia's bicycle chain snapped, so the marshal neutralized the stage for repairs.
The cycling race was neutralized when thick fog made the mountain road too dangerous.
Officials decided to neutralize the motor race after a serious crash involving three cars.
Arjun crossed the line first, but the judges had neutralized the final stage early.
文法句型
neutralize + race/stage + for + reason
用法筆記
Specialist racing terminology. The race is not cancelled — riders restart later from the same point. Only used for neutralizations that change the race outcome, not for short pauses like pit stops.