1. render (something) ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect: "impatience at his frailty began to neutralize her fear"
▪ make (an acidic or alkaline substance) chemically neutral: "splashes on skin should be neutralized immediately"
▪ disarm (a bomb or similar weapon): "120 bombs were neutralized"
▪ a euphemistic way of saying kill or destroy, especially in a covert or military operation:"counter-intelligence programs designed to neutralize individuals"
Word Originmid 17th century: from French neutraliser, from medieval Latin neutralizare, from Latin neutralis (see neutral).