pessimize

[ pes-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object),pes·sim·ized, pes·sim·iz·ing.
  1. to make less good, efficient, fast, functional, etc., especially in the context of computers or information technology: Optimizing components in isolation tends to pessimize the whole system—and hence the bottom line. Adding this feature pessimized the run time by 13 percent.

verb (used without object),pes·sim·ized, pes·sim·iz·ing.
  1. to be pessimistic or utter pessimistic views about something: He pessimized loud and long over alleged rising crime rates.

Origin of pessimize

1
First recorded in 1860–65; from Latin pessim(um) “worst” + -ize, modeled on optimize

Other words from pessimize

  • pes·si·mi·za·tion [pes-uh-mi-zey-shuhn], /ˌpɛs ə mɪˈzeɪ ʃən/, noun

Words Nearby pessimize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024