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neutralize

[/ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz/]
verb
neutralizar
1. to make neutral or inert; to counteract or nullify the effect of something
The antidote neutralizes the poison.
O antídoto neutraliza o veneno.
2. to render harmless or ineffective
The team neutralized the threat by removing the suspect.
A equipe neutralizou a ameaça removendo o suspeito.
3. in chemistry, to bring a solution to pH 7 or to balance acids and bases
Add a base to neutralize the acidic solution.
Adicione uma base para neutralizar a solução ácida.
4. in military or political contexts, to prevent from taking sides or action
The diplomats worked to neutralize tensions between the nations.
Os diplomatas trabalharam para neutralizar as tensões entre as nações.
Synonyms
counteractnullifyoffsetcancel outrender harmlessdefuse
Antonyms
activatestrengthenintensifyprovoke

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
neutralizar
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
neutralizar
no significant regional variation
São Paulo
neutralizar
no significant regional variation
Portugal
neutralizar
identical usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

neutralize a threat
neutralize the opposition
neutralize hostile forces
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