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

This comes as Trump continues to argue that inflation and other economic woes took root under Biden's leadership. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

Alzheimer's researchers believe the disease takes root with brain changes before memory and thinking problems surface. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Coaches and mentors can play a crucial role in helping your business take root and grow. —Todd Villeneuve, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

In a city where Black culture, resilience and rhythm pulse through every block, the sculptures will take root—offering not just a visual experience, but a place for gathering, for ritual, and for remembrance. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 30 Apr. 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