Minimize

/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to reduce (something) to the smallest possible amount or degree.

We need to minimize expenses in order to stay within budget.

to consider or portray as being less important or serious than it actually is.

The company tried to minimize the severity of the incident in its public statements.

to make the smallest possible; to make as small as possible.

In order to minimize the risk of accidents, safety protocols were implemented.

From Latin 'minimus', meaning 'smallest'.

minimize risks

to reduce the chances of loss or harm

minimize costs

to lower expenses

minimize clutter

to reduce unnecessary items or mess

minimization

the act of reducing something to the smallest possible amount

minimal

contributing to the least amount; very small

minimum

the least quantity or degree

to downplay

Stop minimizing your achievements; you worked hard for them.

to make something seem less important

He was just minimizing the situation to make it sound better.