# minimize

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ · frequency rank #9,635

## Definitions
1. To make (something) smaller or as small as possible; shrink; reduce.
2. To relegate or assign (something) to a less insignificant status; diminish.
3. To remove (a window) from the main display area, collapsing it to an icon or caption.
4. To treat (someone) in a slighting manner.
5. To treat as trivial or insignificant; to trivialize.

## Etymology
From Latin minimus + -ize.

## Easily confused with
- **maximize** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/maximize-vs-minimize)
- **minimise** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/minimise-vs-minimize)

## Common misspellings (11)
`imnimize`, `miinmize`, `miniimze`, `minimiez`, `minimizze`, `minimmize`, `minimzie`, `minmiize`, `minnimize`, `mminimize`, `mniimize`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/minimize