take root

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 10-track project, which features guest appearances from Nolan Taylor and Sierra Hull, took root as Pruitt processed a modern-day upheaval of American society. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Use of rabies immunoglobulins — given immediately after exposure to keep the virus from taking root — jumped 76% year-over-year. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

But the specific way markets are taking root—with much of the population too poor to participate meaningfully, with no rule of law, and with the gap between winners and losers steadily widening—is pernicious for the country’s future. — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

From prints and jewelry to ceramics and acrylic paintings, the Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery is the latest chapter in an idea that took root at the Minnesota State Fair. — Derek James, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

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