minimize /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz/ CET6 ( minimizing, minimized, minimizes )

BRIT also minimise

• 1. 

  V-T If you minimize a risk, problem, or unpleasant situation, you reduce it to the lowest possible level, or prevent it from increasing beyond that level. 减到最低数量; 降到最低程度

  例：

  Concerned people want to minimize the risk of developing cancer.

  忧心忡忡的人们想把患上癌症的风险降到最低。

• 2. 

  V-T If you minimize something, you make it seem smaller or less significant than it really is. 贬低…的重要性

  例：

  Some have minimized the importance of ideological factors.

  一些人已经贬低了意识形态因素的重要性。

• 3. 

  V-T If you minimize a window on a computer screen, you make it very small, because you do not want to use it. 使最小化

  例：

  Click the square icon again to minimize the window.

  再次点击正方形图标使那个窗口最小化。