neutering

/ˈnuːtərɪŋ/
verb
  1. To surgically remove the reproductive organs of an animal.
    • Our veterinarian recommends neutering male rabbits to reduce aggression.
    • The rescue group neuters all animals before they are placed in new homes.
    • They decided to neuter their puppy to prevent unwanted litters.
  2. To make something less powerful, effective, or harmful.
    • The court's decision neutered the agency's enforcement powers.
    • The compromise neutered the original proposal's impact.
    • New laws could neuter the ability of large corporations to avoid taxes.
noun
  1. The surgical procedure of removing the reproductive organs of an animal to prevent it from breeding.
    • The vet explained that neutering can help reduce the number of stray animals.
    • Many animal shelters require neutering before a pet is adopted.
    • Neutering is a common practice for domestic cats and dogs.
  2. The act of making something less powerful, effective, or harmful.
    • Critics accused the company of neutering the safety regulations to save money.
    • The new policy resulted in the neutering of the committee's authority.
    • The amendment led to the neutering of the original bill's strongest provisions.