Definition of: liquidate

(lik′wə·dāt) v. ·dat·ed, ·dat·ing v.t.
1. Law a To determine and settle the liabilities of (an estate, firm, etc.) and apportion the assets. b To determine and settle the amount of, as indebtedness or damages.
2. To pay or settle, as a debt.
3. To convert into cash.
4. To destroy or annihilate; do away with.
5. Slang To murder.
—v.i.
6. To settle one's debts; go into liquidation. [<Med. L liquidatus, pp. of liquidare make liquid or clear <L liquidus liquid]
—liq′ui·da′·tor noun