neutralization
Americannoun
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the act, process, or an instance of neutralizing.
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the quality or condition of being neutralized.
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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
- overneutralization noun
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"
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Structure and Properties of Matter - High School
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"Milady Standard Cosmetology," Vocabulary from Part 3
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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.
Hybrid systems that combine detection, identification and neutralization into integrated platforms are where the premium contracts are being signed.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
The publication was published under the title 'Dynamics and durability of HIV-1 neutralization are determined by viral replication' in the journal Nature Medicine.
From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2023
Jamey Mulligan, head of carbon neutralization science and strategy at Amazon said an “all hands on deck approach” was needed to scale up the technology.
From Reuters • Sep. 12, 2023
In a statement, a spokesman said: "As of this time, it is not possible to say with certainty that the video does indeed document the neutralization of Abdul Rahman Hassan by IDF forces."
From BBC • Jul. 10, 2023
Doing millions of neutralization tests using monkey cells would cost millions of dollars.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
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.
