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

Even as Americans face efforts to disrupt the vote here, this idea has taken root in populations elsewhere who fight for it. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Generational wealth with an eye for thoroughbreds took root here long ago, drawn by the limestone-rich soil and lush bluegrass that is especially good for foals. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Reflecting on the Second World War, Hannah Arendt suggested that totalitarianism takes root in societies where lots of people feel unnecessary or unwanted. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Her labor-organizing career took root in California’s agriculturally rich Central Valley, and her foundation is headquartered in Bakersfield. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 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