take root

idiomatic 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

The Assemblies of God took root in Australia nearly a century ago, and denomination leaders there also considered the autonomy of each church to be sacrosanct. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025

Around the table, stories were shared, relationships were strengthened, and a collective sense of purpose took root. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 18 Dec. 2025

The focus is on continuity and on programs that take root and grow within the local healthcare landscape. —CBS News, 17 Dec. 2025

Dandelion, the West Village’s newest cocktail bar, has taken root. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 17 Dec. 2025

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