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tr.v. es·tab·lished, es·tab·lish·ing, es·tab·lish·es 1. a. To cause (an institution, for example) to come into existence or begin operating; found; set up. b. To bring about; generate or effect: establish goodwill in the neighborhood. 2. a. To place or settle in a secure position or condition: They established me in my own business. b. To cause to become regular or usual: established the habit of going to bed early. c. To cause to be able to grow or thrive: The tree needs to be watered to help it become established. 3. To cause to be recognized and accepted: a discovery that established his reputation. 4. To introduce and put (a law, for example) into force. 5. To prove the validity or truth of: The defense attorneys established the innocence of the accused. 6. To make a state institution of (a church). [Middle English establishen, from Old French establir, establiss-, from Latin stabilīre, from stabilis, firm; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] es·tablish·er n. Synonyms: establish, create, found1, institute, organize These verbs mean to bring something into existence and set it in operation: establishing a business; created a trust fund; founded a colony; instituted an annual benefit concert; organizing a field trip. |
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