neutralize
part of speech
verb (neutralize, neutralizes, neutralized, neutralizing); UK also neutralise
meaning for a pupil
1) To stop something from having an effect, so it no longer does harm. tree →
2) (science) To mix an acid with a base (alkali) so that the result is neither acid nor alkali. tree →
3) (formal, euphemism) In war or crime stories, to stop or kill an enemy. tree →
sense in the lessons
In science lessons, toothpaste or baking soda neutralizes acid, and indigestion tablets neutralize stomach acid; you test with litmus paper or indicator. In games and stories a team neutralizes a threat. Phrases: neutralize an acid, neutralize a smell, neutralize the threat.
examples
- Baking soda can neutralize vinegar. tree →
- We added alkali to neutralize the acid in the test tube. tree →
- Bee stings are acid, so some people use soap to neutralize them. tree →
- The charcoal neutralized the bad smell in the fridge. tree →
- The defender neutralized their best striker. tree →
- The soldiers were told to neutralize the threat. tree →
note
US spelling neutralize, UK often neutralise. Noun: neutralization. Linked to «neutral» (in the middle, pH 7). Safety: never mix cleaning chemicals at home to «neutralize» them. Watch the euphemism: in war news «neutralize» can mean kill.
In the corpora
- "Neutralized" in official military or police talk means killed.
- "Neutralize" in military talk means kill.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «neutralize» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.