neutralization
Americannoun
-
the act, process, or an instance of neutralizing.
-
the quality or condition of being neutralized.
-
Linguistics. the loss of a distinctive feature of one of a pair of phonemes that are otherwise differentiated on the basis of that feature, as the loss of voice as a distinctive feature between the -t- and -d- of latter and ladder.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of neutralization
First recorded in 1800–10; neutralize + -ation
Explanation
To neutralize something means to make it neutral or harmless. Neutralization is the name of this process. If you help defuse a bomb, you contribute to its neutralization. If you are a criminal mastermind, and a police detective appears to be amassing the evidence needed to convict you of your crimes, you can neutralize the threat he poses by having him killed. Following his neutralization, you can continue on your evil way.
Vocabulary lists containing neutralization
100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Structure and Properties of Matter - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Milady Standard Cosmetology," Vocabulary from Part 3
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Neutralization closes the loop: electronic jamming, kinetic interceptors, directed-energy lasers and, increasingly, autonomous counterdrones that intercept targets without human intervention.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
Neutralization, which occurs in the blood, lymph, and other body fluids and secretions, protects the body constantly.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
Neutralization is the process of coating a pathogen with antibodies, making it physically impossible for the pathogen to bind to receptors.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
After frustrating the coup attempt, officials hastily formed a Headquarters for Coordinating the Neutralization of the Conspiracy and launched a nationwide man hunt.
From Time Magazine Archive
But the Hermetists claim that the Master or advanced student is able, to a great degree, to escape the swing toward Pain, by the process of Neutralization before mentioned.
From The Kybalion A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece by Three Initiates
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
