establish
verb
\
Definition of establish
1 : to institute (something, such as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
2 obsolete : settle sense 7
3a : to make firm or stable
b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply establish grass on pasturelands
4a : to bring into existence : found established a republic
b : bring about, effect established friendly relations
5a : 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
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from establish
\
adjective
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for establish
Synonyms
begin, constitute, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, set up, start
Antonyms
close (down), phase out, shut (up)
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of establish in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dianne Benson, a maverick 1980s retailer, can take some credit for establishing Soho as a fashion destination. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "Dianne Benson, A Maverick Retailer in 1980s New York, Talks Fashion, Art, and Collaborators Like David Wojnarowicz and Cindy Sherman," 13 July 2018 Northern Kentucky Health Department succeeded in 2016 in establishing a program in a little city in Grant County but failed in its three biggest counties, Boone, Campell and Kenton. — Terry Demio, Cincinnati.com, "Living with HIV: Fueled by heroin, HIV makes an alarming resurgence in Cincinnati," 11 July 2018 Wittner is in charge of creating a new Office of Enterprise Risk Management, Ethics and Compliance, which interim President John Engler established last month after calls from MSU board member Brian Mosallam for just such a position. — David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, "New chief compliance officer: I'm not here to protect MSU's brand," 11 July 2018 The Sheffield centre was established in 2001 with Boeing as the founding partner. — The Economist, "A welcome upgrade to apprenticeships," 12 July 2018 The figure was established in 2002 when members agreed upon a non-binding target to contribute 2% of Gross Domestic Product to collectively share the burden of defense costs. — W.j. Hennigan, Time, "President Trump Says NATO Allies Owe the U.S. Money. He's Wrong," 11 July 2018 In Ocean City, the court hierarchy has been long established by the time summer people show up. — Amy S. Rosenberg, Philly.com, "Ocean City and the most cutthroat pickleball game at the Jersey Shore," 11 July 2018 It was established in 2011 to recognize significant contributions to the franchise apart from the Dolphins’ Honor Roll. — Mike Persak, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins announce six new Walk of Fame inductees," 10 July 2018 Now membership services, and since its acquisition of Whole Foods last years, it is well established with physical locations in the country’s largest cities. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, "Walmart's Jet.com Makes Big New York Delivery Push With Bronx Facility," 10 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'establish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for establish
establish
verb
English Language Learners Definition of establish
: to cause (someone or something) to be widely known and accepted
: to put (someone or something) in a position, role, etc., that will last for a long time
: to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)
See the full definition for establish in the English Language Learners Dictionary
establish
verb
\
Kids Definition of establish
establish
transitive verbLegal Definition of establish
1 : to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement we the people of the United States…do ordain and establish this Constitution — U.S. Constitution preamble
2 : to make firm or stable
3 : to bring into existence : found Congress shall have power…to establish post offices and post roads — U.S. Constitution art. I specifically : to found (a national bank) pursuant to a charter
4 : to make (a church) a national or state institution — see also establishment, establishment clause
5 : to put beyond doubt : prove
6 : to place in a position of being accepted or followed a rule established by case law
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on establish
What made you want to look up establish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Autumn Words of the Day 2018
-
- Which is a synonym of fugacious?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share establish
Resources for establish