First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
establish
verb es·tab·lish \i-ˈsta-blish\
: to cause (someone or something) to be widely known and accepted
: to put (someone or something) in a position, role, etc., that will last for a long time
: to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)
Full Definition of ESTABLISH
transitive verb
1
: to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
2
obsolete : settle 7
3
a : to make firm or stable b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply <establish grass on pasturelands>
4
a : to bring into existence : found <established a republic> b : bring about, effect <established friendly relations>
5
a : to put on a firm basis : set up <establish his son in business> b : to put into a favorable position c : to gain full recognition or acceptance of <the role established her as a star>
6
: to make (a church) a national or state institution
7
: to put beyond doubt : prove <established my innocence>
— es·tab·lish·able \-shə-bəl\ adjective
— es·tab·lish·er \-shər\ noun
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Origin of ESTABLISH
Middle English establissen, from Anglo-French establiss-, stem of establir, from Latin stabilire, from stabilis stable
Related to ESTABLISH
- Synonyms
- demonstrate, prove, show, substantiate
- Antonyms
- disprove
ESTABLISH Defined for Kids
establish
verb es·tab·lish \i-ˈsta-blish\
es·tab·lishedes·tab·lish·ing
Definition of ESTABLISH for Kids
1
: to bring into being : found <They established a colony.>
2
: to put beyond doubt : prove <She established her innocence.>
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