Liquidate: meaning, definitions and examples
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liquidate
[ ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt ]
financial
To wind up the affairs of a company by realizing assets and paying debts.
Synonyms
close down, dissolve, shut down
Examples of usage
- Creditors liquidated the company after it declared bankruptcy.
- The business was forced to liquidate its assets to settle its debts.
eliminate
To eliminate, typically by violent means.
Synonyms
dispatch, eliminate, exterminate
Examples of usage
- The dictator ordered to liquidate all political opponents.
- The spy agency was tasked to liquidate the terrorist cell.
Word origin
The word 'liquidate' comes from the Latin word 'liquidare', which means 'to melt'. In the financial context, it originally referred to converting assets into cash. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the elimination or termination of something, often with finality.
See also: liquefiable, liquefy, liquidation, liquidator, liquidity, liquidized, liquidizer, liquids.