minimize

[ min-uh-mahyz ]
/ ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR minimize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), min·i·mized, min·i·miz·ing.

to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.
to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.
Also especially British, min·i·mise.

Origin of minimize

First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM minimize

min·i·mi·za·tion, noun min·i·miz·er, noun un·min·i·mized, adjective un·min·i·miz·ing, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH minimize

minimal minimize minimum minuscule minutia (see usage note at minuscule)

Words nearby minimize

minimally invasive, minimarket, minimart, minimax, minimill, minimize, minimoon, minimoto, minimum, minimum lending rate, minimum thermometer

Words related to minimizing

lessen, reduce, decrease, underestimate, diminish, downplay, curtail, derogate, dwarf, deprecate, prune, knock, attenuate, discount, decry, cheapen, pan, detract, belittle, disparage

Example sentences from the Web for minimizing

British Dictionary definitions for minimizing

minimize

minimise

/ (ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount to minimize a risk
to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle to minimize someone's achievements

Derived forms of minimize

minimization or minimisation, noun minimizer or minimiser, noun