neutralized

Everyday

1. Made a substance neither acid nor alkali, by mixing in the opposite kind. tree →
2. Stopped something from having its effect; made it harmless. tree →
3. Made a weapon, threat or enemy unable to do harm (often military or police talk). tree →

In the lessons

In science, an acid is neutralized by a base (alkali), for example vinegar and baking soda, or an antacid neutralizing stomach acid; indigestion tablets and bee and wasp sting remedies are classic lessons. In everyday life, a smell or a danger can be neutralized. In news and stories it can be a soft way of saying an enemy was stopped or killed. Phrases: neutralized the acid, neutralized the threat.

Examples

• The baking soda neutralized the vinegar and the fizzing stopped. tree →
• The tablet neutralized the acid in his stomach. tree →
• Lime is added to soil that is too acidic so it is neutralized. tree →
• The bomb squad neutralized the danger. tree →
• Opening the windows neutralized the smell of paint. tree →
• Their best player was neutralized by our strong defence. tree →
• Once the solution was neutralized, the indicator turned green. tree →

Note

US spelling neutralized, UK often neutralised; both are correct. Neutral means in the middle (not acid, not alkali, or not taking sides). In a pH lesson, a neutralized solution has a pH of about 7.