take root

idiomatic phrase

1

of a plant : to grow and develop roots : to become rooted

… damage to the ecosystem makes it easier for nonnative plants … to take root and crowd out native vegetation.

—Mary K. Miller

2

: to become fixed or established

… providing the steadiness and resolve needed to ensure that civilizations can take root and flourish.

—Greg Grandin

A monstrous suspicion had begun to take root in his mind.

—P. G. Wodehouse

Examples of take root in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. —Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC). —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025

So was the attachment that took root in two years in San Diego. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for take root

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute