Establishment

Pronunciation

Origin

Old French establissement, (Modern French établissement) from the verb establir.

Full definition of establishment

Noun

1. The act of establishing; a ratifying or ordaining; settlement; confirmation.
   Since their establishment of the company in 1984, they have grown into a global business.
2. The state of being established, founded, etc.; fixed state.
   The firm celebrated twenty years since their establishment by updating their look.
3. That which is established; as a form of government, a permanent organization, business or force, or the place where one is permanently fixed for residence.
   Pedro's is a fine establishment serving a variety of delicious food.
   Exposing the shabby parts of the establishment.
4. (slang) The establishment: the ruling class or authority group in a society; especially, an entrenched authority dedicated to preserving the status quo. Sometimes capitalized: the Establishment.
• 2013-06-28, Joris Luyendijk, Our banks are out of control, Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. When a series of bank failures made this impossible, there was widespread anger, leading to the public humiliation of symbolic figures.
5. It's often necessary to question the establishment to get things done.

Derived terms

• anti-establishment
• eating establishment