American English
/ˈmɪ.nəˌmaɪz/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
to make something as small, low, or limited as possible
Practice out loudto make something as small, low, or limited as possible
The new system minimizes energy use.
Good planning can minimize the risk of delays.
minimize the risk · minimize costs · minimize damage · minimize the impact
minimize + noun
minimize + the risk/cost/impact of + noun or -ing
to make a problem, fact, or feeling seem less important or serious than it really is
He minimized the seriousness of the accident.
The report minimizes residents' concerns.
This meaning is about making something seem less serious, not physically making it smaller.
minimize the problem · minimize concerns · minimize the seriousness · minimize the importance
minimize + a problem/concern
minimize + the importance of + noun
to make an open computer window disappear from the screen without closing the program
Click here to minimize the window.
I minimized the app but left it running.
minimize a window · minimize the app
minimize + a window
minimize + the app/program
Before -ing, drop the final e: minimizing, not minimizeing.