transitive verb amortized -·tized′, amortizing -·tiz′·ing

1. to put money aside at intervals, as in a sinking fund, for gradual payment of (a debt, etc.) either at or before maturity
2. Accounting to write off (expenditures) by prorating over a fixed period
3. Law to reduce, transfer, or sell (property) in mortmain

Etymology: ME amortisen < extended stem of OFr amortir, to extinguish, sell in mortmain (< ML amortire); or < ML amortizare; both ML forms < L ad, to + mors, death: see mortal