To reduce something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant, to the smallest possible amount or degree. verb
The company is trying to minimize its environmental impact.
She took steps to minimize the risk of infection.
To make something appear less important or smaller than it really is. verb
He tried to minimize his role in the project to avoid taking responsibility.
The politician attempted to minimize the significance of the scandal.
In computing, to reduce a window on a computer screen to an icon or a taskbar button. verb
You can minimize the application to keep your desktop organized.
She minimized the browser window to check her email.