maximize

American  

[mak-suh-mahyz] / ˈmæk səˌmaɪz /

especially British, maximise

verb (used with object)

maximized, maximizing

1. to increase to the greatest possible amount or degree.

   to look for ways of maximizing profit.

2. to represent at the highest possible estimate; magnify.

   He maximized his importance in the program, minimizing the contributions of the other participants.

3. to make the greatest or fullest use of.

   Maximize your time by planning ahead.

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maximize British  

/ ˈmæksɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to make as high or great as possible; increase to a maximum

2. maths to find the maximum of (a function)

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Other Word Forms

• maximation noun
• maximization noun
• maximizer noun

Etymology

Origin of maximize

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

Example Sentences

“I am confident that his discipline and focus will continue to drive BHP’s high-performance culture and advance the company’s unrivaled pipeline of growth options to maximize shareholder returns,” Chair Ross McEwan said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Coca-Cola at the time said it had decided to step away to “focus on the most effective and efficient investments to maximize brand growth,” the marketing industry publication Ad Age reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

This increases the odds you itemize, clears the future AGI floor, and maximizes deductions while the rules are more favorable.

From MarketWatch

Movie studios now tend to consolidate campaign resources behind one or two movies that can compete across many categories and maximize their nomination tallies.

From The Wall Street Journal

The group planned to strike when it was most effective, maximizing the amount of eyeballs and attention that their protest could receive.

From Salon

Related Words

• augment
• bloat
• boost
• enlarge
• escalate
• exaggerate
• expand
• magnify
• overestimate
• pad
• widen