consolidate
UK [kən'sɒl.ɪ.deɪt] US [-'sɑ:.lɪ-] verb intransitive or transitive
■to become, or cause something to become, stronger and more certain （使）巩固；（使）加强•The success of their major product consolidated the firm's position in the market.公司主打产品取得的成功巩固了该公司在市场上的地位。 •She hoped that marriage would consolidate their relationship.她希望婚姻能巩固他们的关系。 •The party consolidated its hold on power during its term of office.该党在执政期间加强了对政权的控制。 •The company has been expanding rapidly and I feel it's now time to consolidate (= stop growing and make our present position stronger).公司一直在快速扩展，我觉得该是巩固的时候了。 ■to combine several things, especially businesses, so that they become more effective, or to be combined in this way （尤指企业）合并，联合•The two firms consolidated to form a single company.两家小公司合并成了一家公司。 |