/lik"wi dayt'/ , v. , liquidated, liquidating .
v.t.
1. to settle or pay (a debt): to liquidate a claim.
2. to reduce (accounts) to order; determine the amount of (indebtedness or damages).
3. to convert (inventory, securities, or other assets) into cash.
4. to get rid of, esp. by killing: to liquidate the enemies of the regime.
5. to break up or do away with: to liquidate a partnership.
v.i.
6. to liquidate debts or accounts; go into liquidation.
[ 1565-75; 1920-25 for def. 4; liquidatus, ptp. of liquidare to melt, make clear. See LIQUID, -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. discharge, clear, erase, cancel.