v.
Pronunciation: ' mi-n ə - ˌ m ī z
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -mized ; -miz · ing
Date: 1825
1 : to reduce or keep to a minimum
2 : to underestimate intentionally : PLAY DOWN , SOFT-PEDAL < minimizing losses in our own forces while maximizing those of the enemy>
– min · i · mi · za · tion \ ˌ mi-n ə -m ə - ' z ā -sh ə n \ noun
– min · i · miz · er \ ' mi-n ə - ˌ m ī -z ə r \ noun