neutralize
Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːtrəlʌɪz/
(also neutralise)
verb
- make (something) ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect: impatience at his frailty began to neutralize her fear
- make (an acidic or alkaline substance) chemically neutral: splashes on skin should be neutralized immediately
- disarm (a bomb or similar weapon): 120 bombs were neutralized
- (in military or espionage contexts) used euphemistically to refer to killing or destruction: counter-intelligence programmes designed to neutralize individuals
Origin:
mid 17th century: from French neutraliser, from medieval Latin neutralizare, from Latin neutralis (see neutral)