minimize

Verb
Synonyms: minimiseunderstatedownplaybelittledenigratederogate

WordNet 3.0

Verb (3)

  1. make small or insignificant“Let's minimize the risk”Synonyms: minimise
  2. represent as less significant or importantSynonyms: understateminimisedownplay
  3. cause to seem less serious; play down“Don't belittle his influence”Synonyms: belittledenigratederogate
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

minimize \min"i*mize\ (m[i^]n"[i^]*m[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p. minimized (m[i^]n"[i^]*m[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. minimizing (m[i^]n"[i^]*m[imac]*z[i^]ng).]

1.To reduce to the smallest part or proportion possible; to reduce to a minimum. --Bentham. [1913 Webster]

2.To represent, to oneself or others, as of no importance or minimal importance or effect; to belittle or disarage. [PJC]

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