minimize
mini|mize /m'ɪnɪmaɪz/ (minimizes minimizing minimized)
in BRIT, also use minimise
1 [VERB] V n
If you minimize a risk, problem, or unpleasant situation, you reduce it to the lowest possible level, or prevent it increasing beyond that level.
Many of these problems can be minimised by sensible planning.
≠ maximize
2 [VERB] V n
If you minimize something, you make it seem smaller or less significant than it really is.
Some have minimized the importance of ideological factors...
= play down
≠ maximize
3 [VERB] V n
If you minimize a window on a computer screen, you make it very small, because you do not want to use it.
Click the square icon again to minimize the window.
≠ maximize
in BRIT, also use minimise
1 [VERB] V n
If you minimize a risk, problem, or unpleasant situation, you reduce it to the lowest possible level, or prevent it increasing beyond that level.
Many of these problems can be minimised by sensible planning.
≠ maximize
2 [VERB] V n
If you minimize something, you make it seem smaller or less significant than it really is.
Some have minimized the importance of ideological factors...
= play down
≠ maximize
3 [VERB] V n
If you minimize a window on a computer screen, you make it very small, because you do not want to use it.
Click the square icon again to minimize the window.
≠ maximize