Noun: neutralization ,n(y)oo-tru-lu'zey-shun [N. Amer], ,n(y)oo-tru-lI'zey-shun [Brit]
- Action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action
"The neutralization of the acid restored the pH balance";
- neutralisation [Brit], counteraction
- 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 neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide produces table salt and water";
- neutralisation [Brit], neutralization reaction, neutralisation reaction [Brit]
- Action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war
"the neutralization of Belgium";
- neutralisation [Brit]
- (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)
"The special forces carried out the neutralization of the terrorist cell";
- neutralisation [Brit]
Derived forms: neutralizations
Type of: chemical reaction, destruction, devastation, nullification, override, reaction
Encyclopedia: Neutralization