establish

es·tab·lish

verb \i-ˈsta-blish\

Definition of ESTABLISH

transitive verb

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

Examples of ESTABLISH

1. The film established her as a star.
2. She established a reputation as a hard worker.
3. The word is now established as part of the English language.
4. The company has established itself as a leader in the industry.
5. As a young doctor he worked hard to establish himself in the community.
6. They want to establish their children in the family business.
7. She established a system of tracking expenses more accurately.
8. The two countries established a mutual trade agreement.
9. establishing a link between diet and cancer
10. Investigators are trying to establish if anyone knew about these problems before the accident.

Origin of ESTABLISH

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ESTABLISH

Synonyms: demonstrate, prove, show, substantiate

Antonyms: disprove

Related Words: attest, authenticate, bear out, document, evidence, support, sustain, uphold; confirm, corroborate, justify, validate, verify

Near Antonyms: confute, discredit, invalidate, rebut, refute

see all synonyms and antonyms

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