1. entrust somebody or something: to hand somebody or something over to the care of another The children were consigned to the care of the nanny. 2. get rid of somebody or something: to dispose of somebody or something, usually for a long time, if not permanently Before fleeing, they consigned the documents to the flames. 3. deliver something: to address, deliver, or hand over for later delivery something for sale, safekeeping, or disposal [15th century. Via French < Latin consignare "certify with a seal" < signum "mark"]