consolidate-v; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: centralize; unite or combine into a single unit or system

Commentary:
NOTE: Includes business jargon; if there is confusion between sense 1 and 3, in which things may be getting stronger as a result of combining, tag the instance with this sense. Please study examples carefully.

Examples:
The branches of the company were consolidated into one common network for efficiency.
Consolidate the two retail quadrants into one combined retail quadrant.
The two firms consolidated to form a single company.
Sales dropped because the company no longer consolidates is Eastern division.
(the above is a specific accounting example referring to combining accounts for reporting purposes)
Some analysts point to threats to consolidate the industry over the past two years.
This system of records will consolidate the system for all activities.

Mappings:
VerbNet: mix-22.1-1,amalgamate-22.2-1-1,amalgamate-22.2-2-1
FrameNet: Cause_to_amalgamate
PropBank: consolidate.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 3

Sense Number 2: make something stronger and/or firmer

Commentary:
NOTE: NP1 undergoes a physical change

Examples:
The stone was consolidated, cleaned and pointed.
The soil consolidated under additional stress.

Mappings:
VerbNet: amalgamate-22.2-1-1, mix-22.1-1
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4, 5

Sense Number 3: make firm or secure/strengthen

Examples:
The success of their major product consolidated the firm's position in the market.
She hoped that marriage would consolidate their relationship.
The party consolidated its hold on power during its term of office.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2