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
In 2004, Seminole voters approved a ballot measure that established a strict rural boundary mostly east of the Econ, Oviedo and Lake Jesup. — Martin E. Comas, OrlandoSentinel.com, "East Seminole residents express relief after board rejects rural development but ready for future battles," 13 July 2018 Rico would arrive with a significant level of culture and technical pedigree which would surely establish the Spaniard as first choice next term, should Bournemouth complete a deal with Leganes. — SI.com, "Bournemouth Switch Attention to Leganes Full Back as Cherries Baulk at Kieran Tierney Asking Price," 13 July 2018 Wesley Wilson has established an atmosphere where goals and dreams, often kept quiet in the workplace, are shared freely and are supported. — NBC News, "Be proactive and step out of your comfort zone:," 13 July 2018 The company has delivered 200,000 electric cars to buyers in the United States, which means it's reached the tax credit threshold established under the Republican tax plan that passed last year. — Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: Scott Pruitt is still under investigation by EPA watchdog," 13 July 2018 Michael Jordan Flight School, as our camp was called, promised daily appearances from the great man himself, who had established the program a couple of years earlier. — Angelica Baker, Vogue, "Going One-on-One with Greatness at Michael Jordan’s Summer Camp," 13 July 2018 Obvious examples of the fighting Burk mentions are the American Revolution — the war against Britain that first established the U.S. as its own country — and the War of 1812. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, "The 'Special Relationship' Between the U.S. and U.K. Is Unlike Any Other Alliance. Here's How It Got That Way," 13 July 2018 For some of them, the move to the United States was recent, while others are more established here. — Billboard, "The Down Underdogs: Australian Alternative Artists on Making it Big in America and at Home," 13 July 2018 Phase 3 of the rebate program allotted $12,500 for the purchase of 250 more cameras, with the stipulation that for the first 40 days, residents would be required to participate in or establish a neighborhood watch group. — Sara Cardine, latimes.com, "Phase 3 of city’s video doorbell rebate program opens up to public at large," 12 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
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
-
- Which of the following Q-without-U words means the number five in cards or dice?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
Which Came First? Quiz
Do you know which word is older?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share establish
Resources for establish