/ kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt; NAmE -ˈsɑːl-/ verb
1.
to make a position of power or success stronger so that it is more likely to continue :
[ vn ]
With this new movie he has consolidated his position as the country's leading director.
Italy consolidated their lead with a second goal.
[also v ]
2.
( technical ) to join things together into one; to be joined into one :
[ vn ]
All the debts have been consolidated.
consolidated accounts
[ v ]
The two companies consolidated for greater efficiency.
► con·soli·da·tion / kənˌsɒlɪˈdeɪʃn; NAmE -ˌsɑːl-/ noun [ U ]:
the consolidation of power
the consolidation of Japan's banking industry
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent. (in the sense combine into a whole ): from Latin consolidare , from con- together + solidare make firm (from solidus solid).