establish

verb

es·​tab·​lish i-ˈsta-blish How to pronounce establish (audio)
established; establishing; establishes

transitive verb

1
: to institute (something, such as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
2
obsolete : settle sense 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
establishable adjective
establisher noun

Examples of establish in a Sentence

The film established her as a star. She established a reputation as a hard worker. The word is now established as part of the English language. The company has established itself as a leader in the industry. As a young doctor he worked hard to establish himself in the community. They want to establish their children in the family business. She established a system of tracking expenses more accurately. The two countries established a mutual trade agreement. establishing a link between diet and cancer Investigators are trying to establish if anyone knew about these problems before the accident.
Recent Examples on the Web Many of those migrants have established their own businesses, while others work in the huge informal economy as street vendors and house cleaners. Samy Magdy, Fortune Europe, 17 Mar. 2024 By the time she was diagnosed, Fletcher had established herself as one of pop’s most versatile stars. Waiss Aramesh, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for establish 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'establish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English establissen, from Anglo-French establiss-, stem of establir, from Latin stabilire, from stabilis stable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of establish was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near establish

Cite this Entry

“Establish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/establish. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

establish

verb
es·​tab·​lish is-ˈtab-lish How to pronounce establish (audio)
1
: to make a permanent part of a nation's laws
establish a constitution
2
: to make firm or stable
establish a statue on its base
3
a
: to bring into existence : found
establish a republic
establish a school
b
: to cause to exist
establish good relations
establish radio contact
4
: to set on a firm basis
establish their children in business
5
: to gain full recognition or acceptance of
establish a claim
a film that established her as a star
established his innocence
6
: prove
7
: find out sense 1
establish the cause of the fire
establisher noun

Legal Definition

establish

transitive verb
es·​tab·​lish
1
: to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
we the people of the United States…do ordain and establish this ConstitutionU.S. Constitution preamble
2
: to make firm or stable
3
: to bring into existence : found
Congress shall have power…to establish post offices and post roadsU.S. Constitution art. I
specifically : to found (a national bank) pursuant to a charter
4
: to make (a church) a national or state institution see also establishment, establishment clause
5
: to put beyond doubt : prove
6
: to place in a position of being accepted or followed
a rule established by case law

More from Merriam-Webster on establish

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