consolidate

[ kuhn-sol-i-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, con·sol·i·dat·ed, con·sol·i·dat·ing.

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)

, con·sol·i·dat·ed, con·sol·i·dat·ing.

1. to unite or combine.
2. to become solid or firm.

adjective

1. consolidated ( def 2 ).

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 Words From

• con·soli·dator noun
• precon·soli·date verb preconsolidated preconsolidating
• recon·soli·date verb reconsolidated reconsolidating
• uncon·soli·dating 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

Each franchise examines the corrosive nature of power when it’s consolidated into an insulated ruling class or, worse, one ill-suited custodian.

From Salon

In doing so they must work though different harmonic polarities and figure out how to consolidate.

From Los Angeles Times

Under Reeves’ plans, the funds would be consolidated in some way, although at present it is unclear exactly how.

From BBC

Days after taking office, he called a snap election for the parliament’s lower house in an attempt to consolidate his mandate.

From BBC

The gambit helped to consolidate Republican support behind Garvey and vault him past fierce competitor Rep. Katie Porter, an Orange County Democrat, who finished a distant third.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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