verb
liquidate
LIK-wih-dayt/ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt/
To turn assets into cash by selling them.
The company liquidates unused equipment to raise cash for repairs.
Etymology
Latin liquidare meant both “make liquid” and “make clear.” Its financial history runs through setting accounts out clearly and clearing debts, connecting it with converting assets into cash.
In context
arranged to purchase four works from a Chicago collector who needed to quietly liquidate a portion of his holdings.
More examples
- She liquidates part of her stock portfolio to cover tuition.
- We liquidated the estate's assets before dividing the proceeds.
- The store is liquidating its remaining inventory before it closes.
Forms
liquidate · liquidates · liquidated · liquidating
liquidation noun — The conversion of assets into cash.
liquidator noun — A person responsible for selling off assets.