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

Much of that is in trusts aimed at allowing people to pass assets down to their heirs while minimizing estate taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal

United Airlines proactively reduced its schedule to minimize disruption once the storm arrives, a spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tasks once done by humans and requiring technical skill can now be automated, enabling these organizations to downsize, minimize risk and maximize profit.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our hope is that senotherapy, which involves using medications to remove senescent, or aging cells, could potentially minimize the need for surgery and/or improve outcomes after surgery."

From Science Daily

Autonomous vehicle companies envision a future where most humans don’t need to touch a steering wheel and argue that replacing drivers will go a long way toward minimizing dangerous situations.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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