pessimize

[ pes-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pes·sim·ized, pes·sim·iz·ing.

1. to make less good, efficient, fast, functional, etc., especially in the context of computers or information technology:

   Optimizing components in isolation tends to pessimize the whole system—and hence the bottom line. Adding this feature pessimized the run time by 13 percent.

verb (used without object)

, pes·sim·ized, pes·sim·iz·ing.

1. to be pessimistic or utter pessimistic views about something:

   He pessimized loud and long over alleged rising crime rates.

Other Words From

• pes·si·mi·za·tion [pes-, uh, -mi-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessimize¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from Latin pessim(um) “worst” + -ize ( def ), modeled on optimize ( def )