— neutralizer , n.
/nooh"treuh luyz', nyooh"-/ , v. , neutralized, neutralizing .
v.t.
1. to make neutral; cause to undergo neutralization.
2. to make (something) ineffective; counteract; nullify: carelessness that neutralized our efforts.
3. Mil. to put out of action or make incapable of action: to neutralize an enemy position.
4. to declare neutral; invest with neutrality in order to exempt from involvement during a war: to neutralize a city to prevent bombing.
5. to add an acid to a basic solution or a base to an acidic solution until the resulting solution is chemically neutral (pH = 7).
6. Elect. to render electrically or magnetically neutral.
v.i.
7. to become neutral or neutralized; undergo neutralization: With this additive the solution begins to neutralize.
Also, esp. Brit., neutralise .
[ 1655-65; NEUTRAL + -IZE ]