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

There is a lot of buzz around vertical drama with frothy forecasts for viewing numbers and revenues for the ultra-shortform series, which started out in Asia and are taking root around the world. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026

But their championship standard took root long ago. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. —Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

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