NEUTRALISATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does neutralisation mean? 

• NEUTRALISATION (noun)
  The noun NEUTRALISATION has 4 senses:

1. 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

2. (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)

3. action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war

4. action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action

  Familiarity information: NEUTRALISATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NEUTRALISATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

neutralisation; neutralisation reaction; neutralization; neutralization reaction

Hypernyms ("neutralisation" is a kind of...):

chemical reaction; reaction ((chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others)

Derivation:

neutralise (make chemically neutral)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

neutralisation; neutralization

Hypernyms ("neutralisation" is a kind of...):

destruction; devastation (the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists)

Domain usage:

euphemism (an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

neutralisation; neutralization

Context example:

the neutralization of Belgium

Hypernyms ("neutralisation" is a kind of...):

nullification; override (the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something)

Derivation:

neutralise (make incapable of military action)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

counteraction; neutralisation; neutralization

Hypernyms ("neutralisation" is a kind of...):

nullification; override (the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something)

Derivation:

neutralise (make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of)