deemphasize

verb (used with object), de-em·pha·sized, de-em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to place less emphasis upon; reduce in importance, size, scope, etc.: The university de-emphasized intercollegiate football.

verb

1. (tr) to remove emphasis from

v.

also de-emphasize, 1938, from de- + emphasize. Related: Deemphasized; deemphasizing.