MINIMIZE
minimize, minimise
(verb) make small or insignificant; “Let’s minimize the risk”
understate, minimize, minimise, downplay
(verb) represent as less significant or important
minimize, belittle, denigrate, derogate
(verb) cause to seem less serious; play down; “Don’t belittle his influence”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Verb
minimize (third-person singular simple present minimizes, present participle minimizing, simple past and past participle minimized)
(transitive) To make (something) as small or as insignificant as possible.
(computing, transitive, graphical user interface) To remove (a window) from the main display area, collapsing it to an icon or caption.
(transitive) To treat (someone) slightingly.
Source: Wiktionary
Min"i*mize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Minimized; p. pr. & vb. n.
Minimizimg.]
Definition: To reduce to the smallest part or proportion possible; to
reduce to a minimum. Bentham.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition