consolidate

[kuhn-sol-i-deyt]

verb (used with object)

consolidated, consolidating 

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)

consolidated, consolidating 

1. to unite or combine.

2. to become solid or firm.

adjective

1. consolidated.

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 Word Forms

• consolidator noun
• preconsolidate verb
• reconsolidate verb
• unconsolidating 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

Whether those with little appetite for Farage remain fragmented in their loyalties or become consolidated behind one party could therefore be crucial in determining Reform's chances of power.

From BBC

Swiatek left the court between sets and returned full of intensity, again breaking immediately but this time consolidating with a hold.

From BBC

On Wednesday, Fifa hailed "the continuing expansion of international player mobility and the growing scale of the global transfer system", adding that England "consolidated its position as the leading global investor in talent".

From BBC

Leaders signaled that more belt-tightening was on the way, saying they would speed up plans to consolidate IT teams and streamline other administrative functions to funnel limited funds to teaching and research.

From Los Angeles Times

But by the time he returned home, a group of conservative religious students turned rebel fighters were dominating Afghanistan’s messy, multisided civil war and had consolidated power over the capital.

From Salon

Related Words

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