Consigned

Consigned describes the act of giving something, typically goods or responsibility, to the care or custody of another. It can also mean to commit someone to a specific fate or condition, often an undesirable one. Furthermore, it can refer to sending goods to a merchant or agent for sale, where the ownership remains with the sender until the goods are sold. The term highlights a transfer of control, often implying a degree of trust or acceptance of responsibility from the receiver.

Consigned meaning with examples

• The artist, upon their death, consigned all of their remaining artworks to a prominent museum, hoping to preserve their legacy. This act marked a formal handover, ensuring the pieces would be protected and made available to the public for future generations. The family trusted the museum to care for them well.
• After years of battling addiction, the judge consigned him to a rehabilitation facility, hoping for a path towards recovery. This decision marked the end of a period of struggle and gave a last chance to change and become free from addiction. Hope for improvement was high.
• The farmer consigned their produce to the local market every week, hoping for a good return. This arrangement allowed them to reach a wider customer base without having to run a retail location and handle all of the sales directly. It was a business agreement.
• With a heavy heart, the emperor consigned his son to a distant province, as a form of exile. The ruler hoped it would be a safe distance from a power struggle. The separation, whilst needed was deeply felt by both.