minimize
[
min
-
uh
-mahyz]
/ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz/
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.
Also,
especially British,
minimise
.
Origin
1795-1805;
minim(um)
+
-ize
Related forms
minimization,
noun
minimizer,
noun
unminimized,
adjective
unminimizing,
adjective
Can be confused
minimal
,
minimize,
minimum
,
minuscule
,
minutia
(see usage note at
minuscule
)
Examples from the web for
minimize
Power tools and machines should be designed to
minimize
vibrations.
Stuff will happen, inevitably, but you may be able to
minimize
the financial pain.
The above will
minimize
the cost of the prison system.
The question now, scientists say, is whether humanity can learn to
minimize
the harmful impacts.
Fourth, you need to insulate the tank to
minimize
heat loss.
Synchronized hatching may
minimize
the nest's exposure to predators.
Install a drip irrigation system or use soaker hoses to
minimize
the splashing water that can spread waterborne diseases.
We can
minimize
our uncertainty and maximize our control.
They also help
minimize
some of the inevitable stress that accompanies the evaluation process.
The first, disaster mitigation, is the taking of measures to identify disaster hazards and
minimize
their effects.
British Dictionary definitions for
minimize
minimize
/
ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz
/
verb
(
transitive
)
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
Derived Forms
minimization,
minimisation,
noun
minimizer,
minimiser,
noun
Word Origin and History for
minimize
v.
1802, first recorded in Bentham; see
minimum
+
-ize
.