minimize

especially British, min·i·mise

[min-uh-mahyz]

verb (used with object)

minimized, minimizing 

1. to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.

2. to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.

minimize

/ ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount

   to minimize a risk

2. to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle

   to minimize someone's achievements

Other Word Forms

• minimization noun
• minimizer noun
• unminimized adjective
• unminimizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimize¹

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

Example Sentences

That minimized cuts to workers’ compensation and pensions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the top of her list: giving priority to sleep and minimizing stress, factors she tracks with her Oura ring.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The research team took great care to preserve these irreplaceable fossils, following strict South African regulations and minimizing the amount of material sampled.

Read more on Science Daily

When a popular team, such as the Dodgers or Yankees, is heavily favored, sportsbooks adjust the odds to encourage betting on the underdog to minimize their risk.

Read more on MarketWatch

He pushed to make judicial elections in North Carolina — once a national leader in minimizing political influence on judges — explicitly partisan and to get rid of public financing, leaving candidates more dependent on dark money.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• curtail 
• decrease 
• diminish 
• downplay 
• lessen 
• play down 
• reduce 
• trivialize 
• underestimate