1. (

• minimize ,
• minimise

) make small or insignificant; "Let's minimize the risk" ;

2. (

• understate ,
• minimize ,
• minimise ,
• downplay

) represent as less significant or important ;

3. (

• minimize ,
• belittle ,
• denigrate ,
• derogate

) cause to seem less serious; play down; "Don't belittle his influence" ;