English Dictionary |
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
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)
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