n(y)ü.ˈtraləd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French neutralité state or condition of being neutral, from Medieval Latin neutralitat-, neutralitas, from (assumed) Medieval Latin neutralis neutral + Latin -itat-, -itas -ity — more at neutral
1. archaic : a party that is neutral : a combination of neutral powers or states — used with the ; see armed neutrality
2.
a. : the quality or state of being neutral : a condition of being uninvolved in contests or controversies between others or of refraining from taking part on either side of such contest or controversy
b. : the condition of a state or government that refrains from taking part directly or indirectly in a war between other powers
c. : a condition of immunity from invasion or use by belligerents in the course of operations against each other that is sometimes guaranteed by treaty (as to a nation or of a waterway)
3. : the particular character conveyed to something belonging to a state (as a citizen or place) by the maintenance of neutrality by that state during hostilities
insisted on recognition of the neutrality of the port
4. : the quality or state of being intermediate, falling between extremes, or belonging to neither one nor the other of two well-defined categories or classes
a solution of perfect neutrality is neither acid nor basic
5. : the quality or state of being neuter