What does neutralisation mean?
Neutralisation is the process of making something neutral or bringing opposing forces into balance. The word is especially important in chemistry, where it describes the reaction of an acid with a base to form a neutral solution, although neutral does not necessarily mean that the resulting substance has a pH of exactly 7 in every circumstance. In electricity, the term describes a condition in which equal positive and negative charges cancel, and in politics or social discussion it can mean weakening or eliminating the influence of opposing interests. The word is commonly used with the modifiers chemical, acid-base and electrical. In figurative use, neutralisation often suggests practical stability or reduced conflict, but it does not necessarily imply that the deeper dispute has been resolved. British English normally uses the spelling with -isation, while American English commonly uses -ization.
nounThe process of making something neutral or balancing opposing forces. In chemistry, it refers especially to a reaction in which an acid and a base combine to produce a neutral solution.
- The process or result of making something neutral, balancing opposing forces, or removing an imbalance.
- A chemical reaction involving an acid and a base, especially one that produces a neutral solution.
"The addition of sodium hydroxide achieved neutralisation of the acidic wastewater."
"The careful neutralisation of competing interests allowed the committee to reach an agreement."
"Neutralisation of the acid by a suitable base reduced the risk of corrosion."
Used when referring to separate instances or processes of neutralisation.
"The engineers documented the neutralisations of the wastewater at each treatment stage."
Neutralisation is chemistry's balancing act: acids and bases cancel their opposing properties to produce a neutral result.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of neutralisation
Neutralisation derives from neutral, which came through Old French from Latin neuter, meaning 'neither' or 'not one or the other'. The suffix -isation was formed within English to express a process or action; the same Latin root also underlies neutrality, neutrally and neuter.
Related word forms
How neutralisation is actually used
The term is most common in chemistry, physics and electrical engineering, but it can also describe political or social processes in which opposing forces are rendered ineffective or balanced. In general contexts, it may imply reducing conflict rather than resolving its underlying causes.