American Dictionary

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Definition establish in American English

establish verb

[transitive] verb
/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
1

to make something start to exist or start to happen

Example

A proper procedure for complaints should be established.

Example

Mandela was eager to establish good relations with the business community.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to start an organization or company

Example

The company was established in 1860.

Example

The board agreed to establish two committees to examine the proposals.

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2

to achieve success, so that people recognize your skill, qualities, or power

Example

Within six months, Caesar had established his authority over Gaul.

Example

The Institute has established a reputation for supporting the Arts.

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3

to discover, prove, or decide that something is true

Example

The cause of death has not yet been established.

Example

We have established that you were present that afternoon.

Example

Townsend's work firmly established the links between unemployment and poverty.

Example

I was never able to establish whether she was telling the truth.

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4

to make the characters in a story seem real

Example

By what means does the author attempt to establish the character of the narrator?

Synonyms and related words
Definition establish in American English