neutralize
Render completely ineffective
Neutralize means to cancel out or render ineffective.
You neutralize a threat by eliminating it, neutralize an acid with a base, or neutralize an advantage by matching it.
In military and espionage contexts, neutralize is often a euphemism for kill: The target has been neutralized.
The word implies bringing something to a neutral state—neither active nor harmful.
Substance neutralizing harmful agents
- counteractNullify by opposing force
- opposeAct against something
- negateCancel or disprove
- offsetCompensate by opposing force
nullify · cancel out · undo · reverse · invalidate · annul · void · thwart
Render harmless
- disarmRemove capacity to harm
- deactivateTurn off or neutralize
- disableRemove functional capacity
- incapacitateDeprive of strength or ability
decommission · unarm · demilitarize · pacify · immobilize · cripple · hobble · declaw
Steadiness or amount owed
- equilibrateBring to balance
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- stabilizeMake firm or constant
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
equalize · normalize · calibrate · adjust · regulate · center · moderate · even out
To calm agitation
- quellForcibly end unrest
- suppressForcibly put an end to
- calmFree from agitation
- subdueBring under control
mollify · placate · appease · soothe · allay · mitigate · dampen · settle
Remove poisonous substances
- purifyRemove unwanted substances
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
- chelateBind metals in rings
flush · antitoxin · filter · purge · extract · remediate · treat · scrub
Cause death
- destroyCause complete ruin
- assassinateMurder a prominent figure
- take outFood ordered for elsewhere
- dispose ofEliminate or discard something
execute · terminate · liquidate · remove · dispatch · exterminate · eradicate · snuff out
antidote
Substance neutralizing harmful agents
- counteractNullify by opposing force
- opposeAct against something
- negateCancel or disprove
offset · nullify · cancel out · undo · reverse · invalidate · annul · void · thwart · inhibit
defuse
Render harmless
- disarmRemove capacity to harm
- deactivateTurn off or neutralize
- disableRemove functional capacity
incapacitate · decommission · unarm · demilitarize · pacify · immobilize · cripple · hobble · declaw · defang
balance
Steadiness or amount owed
- equilibrateBring to balance
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- stabilizeMake firm or constant
level · equalize · normalize · calibrate · adjust · regulate · center · moderate · even out · homeostasis
pacify
To calm agitation
subdue · mollify · placate · appease · soothe · allay · mitigate · dampen · settle · quiet
detoxify
Remove poisonous substances
- purifyRemove unwanted substances
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
chelate · flush · antitoxin · filter · purge · extract · remediate · treat · scrub · clear
kill
Cause death
- destroyCause complete ruin
- assassinateMurder a prominent figure
- take outFood ordered for elsewhere
dispose of · execute · terminate · liquidate · remove · dispatch · exterminate · eradicate · snuff out
- coloringcoloring book, dye, colorize, coloring books, coloring page
- counteractoffset, counterbalance, cancel out, negate, nullify
- Euphemismspass away, passed away, passed on, expecting, with child
- balance verbsbalance, equilibrate, stabilize, steady, counterbalance
- Doublespeakcollateral damage, enhanced interrogation, friendly fire, regime change, ethnic cleansing
- hazmathazmat suit, hazmat, hazardous materials, biohazard, dangerous goods
- net neutralityEqual treatment online
- gender neutralityAvoiding distinctions by sex
- carbon neutralityEmissions balanced by offsets
- political neutralityAbsence of partisan alignment
- Swiss neutralityAlpine nation's conflict abstention
- body neutralityAccepting your form exists
neutrality, neutralized, neutralizing, neutralization, neutralizes, neutralise, neutralised, neutralising, neutralises