Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Amortize \A*mor"tize\, v. t. [OE. amortisen, LL. amortisare,
   admortizare, F. amortir to sell in mortmain, to extinguish;
   L. ad + mors death. See {Mortmain}].
   1. To make as if dead; to destroy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

   2. (Law) To alienate in mortmain, that is, to convey to a
      corporation. See {Mortmain}.

   3. To clear off or extinguish, as a debt, usually by means of
      a sinking fund.

Source : WordNet®

amortize
     v : liquidate gradually [syn: {amortise}]