establish

verb

es·tab·lish | \ i-ˈsta-blish

established; establishing; establishes

Definition of establish

transitive verb

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

Other Words from establish Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about establish

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Other Words from establish

establishable \ i-ˈsta-bli-shə-bəl

\ adjective

establisher \ i-ˈsta-bli-shər

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for establish

Synonyms

demonstrate, prove, show, substantiate

Antonyms

disprove

Examples of establish in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Another pro of this pro is that he's already established connections with local vendors, making everyone's job easier. — Maddie Hiatt, House Beautiful, "What to Know about HGTV's Good Bones Season 4," 15 Apr. 2019 Once her two younger sons, Princes Andrew and Edward, arrived a decade later, on February 19, 1960 and March 10, 1964 respectively, the Queen was well-established in her role as head of state. — Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, "How Will Meghan Markle's Maternity Leave Compare with Queen Elizabeth's?," 14 Apr. 2019 The characters have already established that the weakest among them will hide for safety in the tombs of Winterfell, which has many fans concerned that the Night King will raise the dead Starks and use them to attack those hiding in the crypts. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "'Game of Thrones' Fan Theory Suggests Dead Starks Will Fight Against the Night King in Battle of Winterfell," 27 Apr. 2019 The whole experience feels like entering a museum of the future, with great curving walls (continuing the desert rose theme established by the exterior) alive with dynamic video installation. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Hamish Bowles Spends a Week in Qatar and Is Dazzled by Doha," 2 Apr. 2019 According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the modern Roman color sequence that the Catholic church still follows today was first established in 1198 when Pope Innocent III wrote the treatise De sacro altaris mysterio (The Mystery of the Sacred Altar). — Madison Alcedo, Country Living, "The Real Meaning Behind the Colors of Easter," 8 Mar. 2019 Getting There The trip from Mendoza, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) or so, establishes an education of the area. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, "Itinerary: Wine Tasting in Argentina's Uco Valley," 11 Sep. 2018 The acting chief of the Federal Aviation Administration has told lawmakers there were no systemic problems with the qualifications of key agency staff who helped establish pilot-training mandates for Boeing Co.’s grounded 737 MAX jet. — Andy Pasztor, WSJ, "FAA Disputes Allegations of Staffers’ Lapses on 737 MAX Training," 5 Apr. 2019 The winner will receive 300,000 euros in grant money and be paired with a fashion mentor who will help them to establish the fundamental aspects of their brand. — Scarlett Newman, Teen Vogue, "This Year’s LVMH Prize Finalists Focus In On Sustainability In Fashion," 27 Mar. 2019

These 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.

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Statistics for establish

Last Updated

22 May 2019

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Time Traveler for establish

The first known use of establish was in the 14th century

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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

es·tab·lish | \ i-ˈsta-blish

established; establishing

Kids Definition of establish

1 : to bring into being : found They established a colony.

2 : to put beyond doubt : prove She established her innocence.

establish

transitive verb

es·tab·lish

Legal 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