consigns; consigned; consigning
formal
1
: to put (someone) in a usually unpleasant place or situation
—+ to
Survivors described how they were consigned to labor camps.
The accident left him consigned [=(more commonly) confined] to a wheelchair.
When she first started working, she was consigned to a small, windowless office.
—often used figurativelyHe was consigned by fate to a life of poverty.
2
: to put (something that is not wanted or used) in a place where old things are stored or thrown away
—+ to
old clothes that have been consigned to the attic
She consigned his letter to the wastebasket. [=she threw away his letter]
—often used figurativelya political movement that has been consigned to the dustbin of history [=a political movement that has been forgotten]
His career has been consigned to a mere footnote in the history books.
3
: to send (something) to a person or place to be sold
She consigned the painting to an auction house.
The goods were consigned to him.
Cite this Entry
“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/consign. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
