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

Over the past two years, as country music’s pivot toward traditional sounds has taken root, Lance Roark has often had the best seat in the house. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025

Yet, as second wave feminism took root in the 1960s, many women seized on broom-riding witches as heroes who subverted ideas of domesticity. —Time, 21 Nov. 2025

As the once-novel technology takes root in systems large and small, Sanders called on leaders to consider how AI will change war, and what that means for humanity. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Nov. 2025

The structure would trap sediment, allowing life to take root. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 17 Nov. 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