neutralisation

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun 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
noun (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)
noun action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war

From French neutralisation. By surface analysis, neutralise + -ation.

This is not the place to enquire how such a periodical voluntary neutralisation of power consisted with, or is now consistent with the object and being of war; we shall come to that subject hereafter. — On War, Carl von Clausewitz
We have dwelt at considerable length on repetition and inversion; we now come to the reciprocal interference [Footnote: The word "interference" has here the meaning given to it in Optics, where it indicates the partial superposition and neutralisation, by each other, of two series of light-waves.] of series. — Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic, Henri Bergson

neutralization, neutralization reaction, neutralisation reaction

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