[syn: neutralization, neutralisation, counteraction]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Neutralization \Neu`tral*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. neutralisation.]
1. The act or process of neutralizing, or the state of being
neutralized.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) The act or process by which an acid and a base are
combined in such proportions that the resulting compound
is neutral. See Neutral, a., 4.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
neutralization
n 1: action intended to keep a country politically neutral or
exclude it from a possible war; "the neutralization of
Belgium" [syn: neutralization, neutralisation]
2: 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 [syn: neutralization,
neutralisation, neutralization reaction, neutralisation
reaction]
3: (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying
it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)
[syn: neutralization, neutralisation]
4: action intended to nullify the effects of some previous
action [syn: neutralization, neutralisation,
counteraction]