minimize

[ min-uh-mahyz ]
See synonyms for: minimizeminimizedminimizingminimization on Thesaurus.com

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

Origin of minimize

1
First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize
  • Also especially British, min·i·mise .

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 Nearby minimize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use minimize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for minimize

minimize

minimise

/ (ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz) /


verb(tr)
  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

Derived forms of minimize

  • minimization or minimisation, noun
  • minimizer or minimiser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012