Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: minimize  'mi-nu,mIz
  1. Make small or insignificant
    "Let's minimize the risk";
    - minimise [Brit]
     
  2. Represent as less significant or important
    "Again the raw growth numbers minimize the gain in economic well-being";
    - understate, minimise [Brit], downplay
     
  3. Cause to seem less serious; play down
    "Don't minimize his influence";
    - belittle, denigrate, derogate, minimise [Brit]
     
  4. (computing) cause a window to show on screen as a small icon (without closing the program)

Derived forms: minimized, minimizes, minimizing

Type of: belittle, decrease, disparage, inform, lessen, minify, pick at

Antonym: maximise [Brit]

Encyclopedia: Minimize