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The term "neutralise" serves as a verb with multiple meanings and applications. Primarily, it refers to the act of rendering something ineffective, void, or powerless, often by counteracting, opposing, or canceling its effects. This can be accomplished by employing a range of strategies such as antagonizing or inhibiting the action or influence of a specific substance, force, or factor. In chemistry, neutralisation generally refers to the process of combining an acid with a base, leading to the formation of a salt and water, thereby neutralizing the acidic or basic properties of the involved substances.
Beyond chemical contexts, the term is also used to describe actions taken to counteract or eliminate potential threats, dangers, or risks. Neutralising can involve disarming or disabling hazardous devices, dismantling explosive materials, or even incapacitating individuals who may pose harm. Additionally, this term can extend to diplomatic or political scenarios, where neutralising may entail reducing tensions, resolving conflicts, or finding compromises between conflicting parties to achieve a state of neutrality or peaceful coexistence.
Furthermore, neutralise can also be employed figuratively to indicate the act of nullifying or negating the impact or influence of certain ideas, opinions, biases, or prejudices, particularly during discussions, debates, or negotiations. By addressing and challenging opposing viewpoints with rationality, evidence, or persuasive arguments, it is possible to neutralise or mitigate the potentially negative consequences or biases associated with such beliefs.
Overall, the verb "neutralise" encompasses the diverse range of actions taken to counteract, eliminate, nullify, or invalidate the effects, dangers, threats, biases, or influences associated with a given object, force, substance, hazard, opinion, or concept.
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To render neutral or inert; to counteract or render imperceptible the properties of a body by causing it to combine with another of different properties.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "neutralise" is derived from the Latin word "neutralis", meaning "of neither side" or "neuter". It is a combination of the Latin prefix "ne-" (meaning "not" or "without") and the Latin root "uter", which means "either". The suffix "-ise" is derived from the Latin "-izare", indicating the action or process of something. Over time, the word "neutralise" has come to mean rendering something neutral or cancelling out its effect.
CONDITIONAL
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FUTURE
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FUTURE PERFECT
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PAST
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PAST PERFECT
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PRESENT
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PRESENT PERFECT
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