establish
Formsestablishes, establishing, established
- 1To start something new, like a company, group, or system, and make it last.
Like planting a tree that will grow and stay for many years.
They established a small bakery in their hometown.
We want to establish a new club at school.
Similarfound, start (entry), create, form, launch
- 2To show that something is true so that other people accept it.
Like showing your work in math so everyone can see the answer is right.
The lawyer worked hard to establish the truth.
Tests established that the water was safe to drink.
Similarprove, demonstrate, show, determine, confirm
- 3To make something strong and steady so it will not change easily.
Like setting strong roots so a plant stands firm in the wind.
Years of hard work helped her establish a good name in town.
The new rules established order in the busy office.
Similarsecure, cement, consolidate, build
Oppositeundermine
- 4To put a law, rule, or office into place by official order.
Like making a new rule for a game that everyone must follow.
The council established a curfew for the holiday weekend.
Lawmakers voted to establish stricter safety rules.
Similarcreate, institute, enact, adopt, constitute
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin 'stabilis', meaning firm or steady, and reached English through Old French 'establir'.