verb

minimize

MIHN-ih-myz

verb

To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or size.

"The company took steps to minimize its environmental impact."

"Wear a helmet to minimize the risk of head injury."

To shrink a window on a computer screen down to an icon on the taskbar.

"Just minimize the browser if your boss walks by."

To downplay or treat something as less important than it is.

"He tried to minimize his role in the mistake."

How to Use Minimize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something as small as possible, or to make it seem less important than it really is.

Common pairings

minimize risk minimize the damage minimize a window

minimized past tense, minimizes singular

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The company took steps to _____ its environmental impact.

From Latin minimus, "smallest," plus the verb-forming suffix "-ize."

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