establish

verb

es·​tab·​lish i-ˈsta-blish 

established; establishing; establishes

transitive verb

1

: to institute (something, such as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement

2

obsolete : settle sense 7

3

a

: to make firm or stable

b

: to introduce and cause to grow and multiply

establish grass on pasturelands

4

a

: to bring into existence : found

established a republic

b

: bring about, effect

established friendly relations

5

a

: to put on a firm basis : set up

They established their children in the family business.

b

: to put into a favorable position

c

: to gain full recognition or acceptance of

The role established her as a star.

The word is now established as part of the language.

6

: to make (a church) a national or state institution

7

: to put beyond doubt : prove

established my innocence

establishable

i-ˈsta-bli-shə-bəl 

adjective

establisher

i-ˈsta-bli-shər 

noun

Synonyms of establish

• prove
• demonstrate

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

The first government documents that Shapiro obtained about ICEBlock attempted to establish a connection between the application and assaults on immigration agents. —Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026

To meet this moment, city and regional leaders should establish a blue-ribbon committee to develop clear, actionable strategies for long-term sustainability. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

The Pet Alliance is Central Florida’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency, established as the Orlando Humane Society in 1937 and later becoming the SPCA of Central Florida and then renamed in 2014. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026

According to inside sources, Prince William wishes to establish a meaningful relationship with Mullally, knowing that the Archbishop will also preside over his future coronation and will, in fact, be his superior in the Church. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English establissen, from Anglo-French establiss-, stem of establir, from Latin stabilire, from stabilis stable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing establish

• pre-establish
• re-establish

Rhymes for establish

• reestablish

Kids Definition

establish

verb

es·​tab·​lish is-ˈtab-lish 

1

: to make a permanent part of a nation's laws

establish a constitution

2

: to make firm or stable

establish a statue on its base

3

a

: to bring into existence : found

establish a republic

establish a school

b

: to cause to exist

establish good relations

establish radio contact

4

: to set on a firm basis

establish their children in business

5

: to gain full recognition or acceptance of

establish a claim

a film that established her as a star

established his innocence

6

: prove

7

: find out sense 1

establish the cause of the fire

establisher noun

Legal Definition

establish

transitive verb

es·​tab·​lish

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