neutralise

• Verbe signifiant rendre quelque chose inefficace ou inoffensif, ou contrecarrer son effet.

A verb meaning to make something ineffective or harmless, or to counteract its effect.

1. Eliminate a threatC1formal

   To remove a potential danger, often by lethal means.

   Neutraliser une menace

   • The agent was ordered to neutralize the target before the attack.
   • The sniper successfully neutralized the hostile combatant.
   • The security forces moved in to neutralize the terrorist cell.

   Synonymesdestroyeliminatekillliquidateremovesilencetake outterminate

   Antonymesinstigateperpetuatethreaten

2. Disable military capabilityC1formalpolitical

   To render a military force or asset unable to operate or fight.

   Neutraliser une capacité militaire

   • The airstrike was designed to neutralize the enemy's artillery.
   • They used electronic warfare to neutralize the radar systems.
   • The navy's mission was to neutralize the opposing fleet.

   Synonymescrippledeactivatedisableimmobilizeincapacitateparalyzetake out

   Antonymesactivatedeployempowerenable

3. Counteract an effectB2formal

   To make something ineffective by applying an opposite force or action.

   Neutraliser un effet

   • The antidote neutralizes the poison in the bloodstream.
   • The new policy aims to neutralize the negative impact of inflation.
   • A strong defense can neutralize the opponent's attack.

   Synonymescancel outcounteractcounterbalancecountervailnegatenullifyoffsetundo

   Antonymesaggravateamplifyaugmentexacerbateintensifypotentiatereinforcestrengthen

4. Make chemically neutralB2formalscientific

   To cause a substance to become neither acidic nor alkaline.

   Neutraliser (chimie)

   • The lab technician added a base to neutralize the acid.
   • Baking soda can neutralize the acidity in a solution.
   • The process neutralizes the harmful chemicals in the waste.