Main Entry: es·tab·lish

Pronunciation: \i-ˈsta-blish\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English establissen, from Anglo-French establiss-, stem of establir, from Latin stabilire, from stabilis stable

Date: 14th century

1 : to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
2 obsolete : settle 7
3 a : to make firm or stable b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply <establish grass on pasturelands>
4 a : to bring into existence : found <established a republic> b : bring about, effect <established friendly relations>
5 a : to put on a firm basis : set up <establish his son in business> b : to put into a favorable position c : to gain full recognition or acceptance of <the role established her as a star>
6 : to make (a church) a national or state institution
7 : to put beyond doubt : prove <established my innocence>

— es·tab·lish·able \-shə-bəl\ adjective

— es·tab·lish·er \-shər\ noun