First Known Use: 1528
Dictionary
consign
verb con·sign \kən-ˈsīn\
: to put (someone) in a usually unpleasant place or situation
: to put (something that is not wanted or used) in a place where old things are stored or thrown away
: to send (something) to a person or place to be sold
Full Definition of CONSIGN
transitive verb
1
: to give over to another's care
2
: to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another; also : to commit especially to a final destination or fate <a writer consigned to oblivion>
3
: to send or address to an agent to be cared for or sold
intransitive verb
— con·sign·able \-ˈsī-nə-bəl\ adjective
— con·sig·na·tion \ˌkän-ˌsī-ˈnā-shən, ˌkän(t)-sig-\ noun
— con·sign·or \ˌkän-ˌsī-ˈnȯr, kən-\ noun
See consign defined for English-language learners
See consign defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CONSIGN
Middle French consigner, from Latin consignare, from com- + signum sign, mark, seal — more at sign
Related to CONSIGN
Synonym Discussion of CONSIGN
commit, entrust, confide, consign, relegate mean to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose. commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody <committed the felon to prison>. entrust implies committing with trust and confidence <the president is entrusted with broad powers>. confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance <confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney>. consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality <consigned the damaging notes to the fire>. relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of <relegated to an obscure position in the company>.
CONSIGNABLE Defined for Kids
consign
verb con·sign \kən-ˈsīn\
con·signedcon·sign·ing
Definition of CONSIGN for Kids
1
: to send (as goods) to an agent to be sold or cared for
2
: to put (something) in a place to store it or get rid of it <She consigned her old toys to the attic.>
— con·sign·ment \-mənt\ noun
Learn More About CONSIGN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: consignataryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: consigliereAll Words Near: consign
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up consign? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).