- 1minimize something to reduce something, especially something bad, to the lowest possible level Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection. Costs were minimized by using plastic instead of leather. opposite maximize
- 2minimize something to try to make something seem less important than it really is synonym play somethingdown He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others.
- 3minimize something to make something small, especially on a computer screen Minimize any windows you have open. opposite maximize
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NAmE//ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they minimize he / she / it minimizes
past simple minimized
-ing form minimizing
NAmE//ˌmɪnəməˈzeɪʃn//
noun [uncountable]See minimize in the Oxford Advanced Learner's DictionaryCheck pronunciation: minimize