Dictionary entries for 'establish'

Synonyms

es·tab·lish (ĭ-stăb́lĭsh)

[Middle English establishen, from Old French establir, establiss-, from Latin stabilīre, from stabilis, firm.]

transitive verb: -lished, -lish·ing, -lish·es.

1. To set up; found. See synonyms at found¹
2. To bring about; generate: establish goodwill in the neighborhood.
1. To place or settle in a secure position or condition; install: They established me in my own business.
2. To make firm or secure.
To cause to be recognized and accepted: a discovery that established his reputation.
To introduce and put (a law, for example) into force.
To prove the validity or truth of: The defense attorneys established the innocence of the accused.
To make a state institution of (a church).