Entry Word: liquidate

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to destroy all traces of <a decisive act that liquidated all doubts and fears about his governing abilities> — see annihilate 1
2 to put to death deliberately <his first act as absolute ruler was to liquidate all opponents> — see murder 1
3 to give what is owed for <used our lottery winnings to liquidate all debts> — see pay 2