consolidate

[kuhn-sol-i-deyt]

verb (used with object)

consolidated, consolidating 

1. to bring together (separate parts) into a single or unified whole; unite; combine.

   They consolidated their three companies.

2. to discard the unused or unwanted items of and organize the remaining.

   She consolidated her home library.

3. to make solid or firm; solidify; strengthen.

   to consolidate gains.

4. Military.,  to strengthen by rearranging the position of ground combat troops after a successful attack.

verb (used without object)

consolidated, consolidating 

1. to unite or combine.

2. to become solid or firm.

adjective

1. consolidated.

consolidate

/ kənˈsɒlɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to form or cause to form into a solid mass or whole; unite or be united

2. to make or become stronger or more stable

3. military to strengthen or improve one's control over (a situation, force, newly captured area, etc)

Other Word Forms

• consolidator noun
• preconsolidate verb
• reconsolidate verb
• unconsolidating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of consolidate¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin consolidātus “made solid,” past participle of consolidāre “to make solid,” equivalent to con- + solid + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of consolidate¹

C16: from Latin consolidāre to make firm, from solidus strong, _solid

Example Sentences

Broadcast television companies have been trying to consolidate, believing that larger scale would allow them to compete better against other media and tech companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They are fourth in the group phase table and victory against the Bundesliga side will consolidate their place in the top eight as they seek a direct path into the knockout stages.

Read more on BBC

Chief Executive Sundar Pichai and other executives have since worked to overhaul the company’s AI development strategy by breaking down internal silos, streamlining leadership and consolidating work on its models, employees say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The stuff in my mom’s two-bedroom apartment had, over time, been consolidated from two other houses.

Read more on MarketWatch

“Reforms such as harmonizing VAT rules or establishing a common consolidated corporate tax base remain stuck because of national vetoes, leaving firms to navigate a maze of fragmented tax regimes,” she said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• build up 
• cement 
• centralize 
• concentrate 
• develop 
• fortify 
• reinforce 
• secure 
• solidify 
• stabilize 
• strengthen 
• unify