take root
phrase
1
of a plant
: to grow and develop roots : to become rooted
… damage to the ecosystem makes it easier for nonnative plants … to take root and crowd out native vegetation.—Mary K. Miller
2
: to become fixed or established
… providing the steadiness and resolve needed to ensure that civilizations can take root and flourish.—Greg Grandin
A monstrous suspicion had begun to take root in his mind.—P. G. Wodehouse
Cite this Entry
“Take root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20root. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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