( BrE also min·im·ise ) / ˈmɪnɪmaɪz; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to reduce sth, especially sth bad, to the lowest possible level :
Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection.
OPP maximize
2.
to try to make sth seem less important than it really is
SYN play down :
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.
OPP maximize