liquidate

American  

[lik-wi-deyt] / ˈlɪk wɪˌdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

liquidated, liquidating

1. to settle or pay (a debt).

   to liquidate a claim.

   Synonyms:

   cancel, erase, clear, discharge

2. to reduce (accounts) to order; determine the amount of (indebtedness or damages).

3. to convert (inventory, securities, or other assets) into cash.

4. to get rid of, especially by killing.

   to liquidate the enemies of the regime.

5. to break up or do away with.

   to liquidate a partnership.

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verb (used without object)

liquidated, liquidating

1. to liquidate debts or accounts; go into liquidation.

liquidate British  

/ ˈlɪkwɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. 1. to settle or pay off (a debt, claim, etc)

   2. to determine by litigation or agreement the amount of (damages, indebtedness, etc)

2. 1. to terminate the operations of (a commercial firm, bankrupt estate, etc) by assessment of liabilities and appropriation of assets for their settlement

   2. (of a commercial firm, etc) to terminate operations in this manner

3. (tr) to convert (assets) into cash

4. (tr) to eliminate or kill

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Other Word Forms

• nonliquidating adjective
• preliquidate verb (used with object)
• reliquidate verb
• unliquidated adjective
• unliquidating adjective

Etymology

Origin of liquidate

1565–75; 1920–25 liquidate for def. 4; < Late Latin liquidātus, past participle of liquidāre to melt, make clear. See liquid, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

“In periods of such sudden market stress, traders will liquidate winning positions to cover their losing bets on other assets,” said Ash.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

The dissolution order from the Tokyo district court was meant to strip the church of its tax-exempt status and require it to liquidate its assets, but still allow it to operate in Japan.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Selling accelerated last week when alternative asset management behemoth Blue Owl Capital said it would liquidate $1.4 billion in assets to pay out unhappy investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Strategy Executive Chair Michael Saylor on Tuesday threw cold water on claims that the company would liquidate its Bitcoin holdings if the flagship cryptocurrency continues to plummet.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

I had asked my father to sell everything, to liquidate everything, and to leave.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

Related Words

• abolish
• annul
• cancel
• eliminate
• exterminate
• get rid of
• wipe out