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

In 2022, it said longtime borrowers who consolidated their loans may be eligible for forgiveness under a one-time policy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Daimler and Toyota said Thursday that they would consolidate their manufacturing footprint into three sites from five by the end of 2028, in a bid to achieve efficiencies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

S.MPLE works because it consolidates many of the separate apps agents need to use into a single interface, he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is a hallmark tactic of authoritarian rulers seeking to consolidate power.

Read more on Salon

Li stressed that "maintaining, consolidating and developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries is China's unwavering policy," according to China's state news agency Xinhua.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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