minimizeverb [ T ]
UK usually minimise uk/ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/us/ˈmɪn.ə.maɪz/C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount:
We must minimize the risk of infection.
Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
Opposite
maximize
to make something seem less important or smaller than it really is:
She accused politicians of minimizing the suffering of thousands of people.
It's important to focus on your strengths and to minimize your weaknesses.
to make something small on a computer screen :
Minimize the window by clicking in the corner.
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maximize
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Becoming and making smaller or less
- a nip (here) and a tuck (there) idiom
- attenuate
- axe
- bite
- bite into sth
- dive
- drain
- let sth down
- let up
- lower
- make a hole in sth idiom
- miniaturization
- nip
- shrink
- slash
- step sth down
- strip sth away
- stripped down
- subside
- tail off
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Exaggerating & playing down
minimization
noun [ U ] uk/ˌmɪn.ɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/us/ˌmɪn.ə.məˈzeɪ.ʃən/