liquidate

[lik-wi-deyt]

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.

verb (used without object)

liquidated, liquidating 

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

liquidate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidate¹

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

Collateral is liquidated if prices fall, but crypto markets can move faster than liquidation mechanisms, creating “gap risk” that could leave stablecoin lenders exposed.

Read more on MarketWatch

Ours is an era when every shred of ephemera is for sale, so why wouldn’t a mourning son attempt to liquidate a killer’s personal effects to claim compensation for his mother’s death?

Read more on Salon

“It will also help you to avoid having to liquidate your holdings prematurely, which may cause you to buy high and sell low.”

Read more on MarketWatch

At the same time, the cost basis of the stock is reset to the price of the second batch of stock, which raises the odds of paying lower taxes when you ultimately liquidate the position.

Read more on Barron's

At the same time, the cost basis of the stock is reset to the price of the second batch of stock, which raises the odds of paying lower taxes when you ultimately liquidate the position.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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