minimize

American  

[min-uh-mahyz] / ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz /

especially British, minimise

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.

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minimize British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of minimize

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

Example Sentences

The mental coaching now, Gonzalez said, has “mostly been helping minimize the noise that comes with being in the public eye.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you can’t ditch your phone, you can still minimize its temptation.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The overwhelming driver of alpha and private credit comes from minimizing realized credit losses and periods of credit stress put this to the test,” he said.

From Barron's

Invariably, any book that targets a single aspect of Lincoln’s complex nature will minimize the elements that rounded off his character—and Mr. Pinsker’s is no exception.

From The Wall Street Journal

It recommends that those opting for this path can minimize the risk by selecting the right care team.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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