# pessimize

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈpɛsɪmaɪz/

## Definitions
1. To take a pessimistic view of; to speak of in a negative or pessimistic way.
2. To make (something) pessimal or the worst; (in a weaker sense) to make (something, such as a computer program) less efficient.
3. To think like a pessimist; to believe the worst.
4. To become pessimal or the worst.

## Etymology
From Latin pessimus (“worst”) + -ize, modelled after optimize. Pessimus is derived from Proto-Indo-European *ped-tm̥mó-s, from *ped- (“to step, walk; to fall, stumble”) + *-tm̥mó-s (superlative suffix).

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