1. Action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action
   "The neutralisation of the acid restored the pH balance";
   - neutralization, counteraction
    
2. A chemical reaction in which an acid and a base interact with the formation of a salt; with strong acids and bases the essential reaction is the combination of hydrogen ions with hydroxyl ions to form water
   "The neutralisation reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide produces table salt and water";
   - neutralization, neutralization reaction, neutralisation reaction [Brit]
    
3. Action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war
   "the neutralisation of Belgium";
   - neutralization
    
4. (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)
   "The air strike resulted in the neutralisation of enemy defences";
   - neutralization

Derived forms: neutralisations

Type of: chemical reaction, destruction, devastation, nullification, override, reaction

Encyclopedia: Neutralisation