liquidate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt/
KK: /ˈlɪkwɪˌdeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To convert assets into cash by selling them, often to pay off debts or settle obligations.
Example
The company had to liquidate its assets to pay off its creditors.
Tense Forms
Past: liquidated
Past Participle: liquidated
Conversation
Have you heard about the company that needs to liquidate its assets?
Yeah, that’s really unfortunate for the employees.
I wonder how long it will take them to liquidate everything.
I hope they manage to do it quickly so everyone can move on.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
settle
dispose
eliminate
Antonyms
incur
accrue
retain
transitive verb
Definition
To turn assets into cash or to pay off debts and obligations.
Example
The company had to liquidate its assets to pay off its creditors.
Tense Forms
Past: liquidated
Past Participle: liquidated
Conversation
I heard they might liquidate that old restaurant downtown.
Really? I thought it was doing okay.
Yeah, but I guess they couldn't keep up with the bills.
Root Explanation
Liquidate → It is formed from "liquidus" (meaning fluid or flowing) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or to become). The word "liquidate" means to make something liquid, often referring to converting assets into cash or settling debts.
Memory Tip
Think of making something 'fluid' or 'flowing' ('liquidus') — that's why liquidate means to convert assets into cash.
Visually Confused Words
reliquidate
unliquidated
preliquidate
eliquate
quidae