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¹settle

verb set·tle \ˈse-t^əl\

: to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement

: to make a final decision about (something)

: to move to a place and make it your home

set·tledset·tling \ˈset-liŋ, ˈse-t^əl-iŋ\

Full Definition of SETTLE

transitive verb

: to place so as to stay

a : to establish in residence

b : to furnish with inhabitants : colonize

a : to cause to pack down

b : to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink

: to make quiet or orderly

a : to fix or resolve conclusively <settle the question>

b : to establish or secure permanently <settle the order of royal succession>

c : to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court

d : to close (as an account) by payment often of less than is due

: to arrange in a desired position

: to make or arrange for final disposition of <settled his affairs>

of an animal : impregnate

intransitive verb

: to come to rest

a : to sink gradually or to the bottom

b : to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum

c : to become compact by sinking

a : to become fixed, resolved, or established <a cold settled in his chest>

b : to establish a residence or colony <settled in Wisconsin> —often used with down

a : to become quiet or orderly

b : to take up an ordered or stable life —often used with down <marry and settle down>

a : to adjust differences or accounts

b : to come to a decision —used with on or upon <settled on a new plan>

c : to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court

of an animal : conceive

— set·tle·able \ˈse-t^əl-ə-bəl, ˈset-lə-bəl\ adjective

— settle for

: to be content with

— settle one's hash

: to silence or subdue someone by decisive action

— settle the stomach

: to remove or relieve the distress or nausea of indigestion

See settle defined for English-language learners

Illustration of SETTLE

Origin of SETTLE

Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English setlan, from setl seat

First Known Use: 1515

Related to SETTLE

Synonyms: lay, sediment

Antonyms: raise

Synonym Discussion of SETTLE

decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy <she decided to sell her house>. determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something <determined the cause of the problem>. settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty <the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy>. rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority <the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible>. resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something <he resolved to quit smoking>.

²settle

noun

: a long wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and often with space under the seat which can be used to store things

Full Definition of SETTLE

: a wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and an enclosed foundation which can be used as a chest

See settle defined for English-language learners

See settle defined for kids

Illustration of SETTLE

Origin of SETTLE

Middle English, place for sitting, seat, chair, from Old English setl; akin to Old High German sezzal seat, Latin sella seat, chair, Old English sittan to sit

First Known Use: 1553