minimize

Universal Words (BrE also minimise) verb [VN] 1 to reduce sth, especially sth bad, to the lowest possible level: Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection. * Costs were minimized by using plastic instead of leather. OPPMAXIMIZE 2 to try to make sth seem less important than it really is SYNPLAYDOWN: He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others. 3 to make sth small, especially on a computer screen: Minimize any windows you have open. OPPMAXIMIZE