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

Experts say quick immunization is crucial to prevent infection from taking root. —Arkansas Online, 6 Dec. 2025

Her immersion into cross-cultural divinity takes root on LUX in vanguard beats, searching timbres, and a colossal, sometimes operatic voice, attuned to pop iconoclasts like Bjork (featured on LUX) and Kate Bush. —Jenn Pelly, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

The idea took root at Wembley Stadium in London, where Rober, invited to play in a Sidemen charity match, unexpectedly scored a goal in front of 90,000 fans. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Dec. 2025

In this fractured reality, a phenomenon known as the Hush has taken root, and anyone who falls asleep disappears forever. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 3 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