consign

American  

[kuhn-sahyn] / kənˈsaɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to hand over or deliver formally or officially; commit (often followed byto ).

   Synonyms:

   assign, relegate

2. to transfer to another's custody or charge; entrust.

   Synonyms:

   confide

3. to set apart for or devote to (a special purpose or use).

   to consign two afternoons a week to the club.

4. to banish or set apart in one's mind; relegate.

   to consign unpleasant thoughts to oblivion.

5. Commerce.

   1. to ship, as by common carrier, especially for sale or custody.

   2. to address for such shipment.

6. Obsolete. to confirm or ratify, as with a seal or other token.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to agree or assent.

2. Obsolete. to yield or submit.

consign British  

/ kənˈsaɪn /

verb

1. to hand over or give into the care or charge of another; entrust

2. to commit irrevocably

   he consigned the papers to the flames

3. to commit for admittance

   to consign someone to jail

4. to address or deliver (goods) for sale, disposal, etc

   it was consigned to his London address

5. obsolete (intr) to assent; agree

---

Other Word Forms

• consignable adjective
• consignation noun
• preconsign verb (used with object)
• reconsign verb (used with object)
• unconsignable adjective
• unconsigned adjective

Etymology

Origin of consign

1400–50; late Middle English; apparently (< Middle French consigner ) < Medieval Latin consignāre to mark with sign of cross, Latin: to mark with a seal. See con-, sign

Example Sentences

And if you do know, then don’t consign “space” to jargon space.

From The Wall Street Journal

George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother.

From Los Angeles Times

Such were the trappings of “wealth” that consigned men to their death.

From The Wall Street Journal

Team GB's men's curlers reinforced their credentials as Winter Olympic gold medal favourites in Cortina with a statement 6-3 win over the Swedish rink that consigned them to silver four years ago.

From BBC

In a statement last week, she said: "We will not allow the blood of these dear ones to be consigned to oblivion or the truth to be lost in the dust."

From BBC

Related Words

• assign
• relegate
• turn over