Simple Definition of establish
: 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
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>
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>
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.
Origin of establish
Middle English establissen, from Anglo-French establiss-, stem of establir, from Latin stabilire, from stabilis stable
First Known Use: 14th century
ESTABLISH Defined for Kids
Legal Definition of establish
1 : to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement <we the people of the United States…do ordain and establish this Constitution — U.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 roads — U.S. Constitution art. I>; specifically : to found (a national bank) pursuant to a charter
5 : to put beyond doubt : prove
6 : to place in a position of being accepted or followed <a rule established by case law>
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up establish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).