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minimize

v.
US //ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz// min·i·mize
  1. 1 to reduce to a minimum (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to make something as small as it can possibly be.

    to reduce something to the smallest possible amount, extent, or degree.

    Example

    The company is trying to minimize costs by using less packaging.

    Example

    The new safety protocols were designed to minimize the risk of accidents during the construction of the high-rise bridge.

    Usage

    Often used in academic or professional contexts regarding risk, cost, or impact.
  2. 2 to downplay or trivialize (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to treat something as if it is not important or serious.

    to represent or estimate something at less than its true value or importance; to trivialize a concern or event.

    Example

    You shouldn't minimize her feelings just because you don't agree with her.

    Example

    Critics argued that the government's report attempted to minimize the environmental impact of the new industrial zone.
    • play down
    • understate
    • trivialize
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  1. 3 to hide a computer window (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to hide a window on your computer screen without closing the program.

    to reduce a graphical user interface window to an icon or a taskbar button without terminating the application.

    Example

    I minimized the browser window so I could see the files on my desktop.

    Example

    If you minimize the application while the update is running, it will continue to process in the background.

    Usage

    Usually takes a digital object like 'window', 'app', or 'program'.
Origin

From Latin minimus + -ize.

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