take root
idiomatic 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
Mary K. Miller2
: to become fixed or established
… providing the steadiness and resolve needed to ensure that civilizations can take root and flourish.—Greg Grandin
Greg GrandinA monstrous suspicion had begun to take root in his mind.—P. G. Wodehouse
P. G. WodehouseExamples of take root in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Perhaps the most esoteric belief to take root in Fort Worth, coming at the end of the 19th century, was the National Spiritualist Church.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
However, mold that has essentially taken root into the surface may require a more aggressive approach, such as removing the affected drywall or wood and using mold encapsulate coatings on surrounding surfaces, according to Pace.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
The family moved to New Smyrna Beach in 2019, but Larry Littrell’s efforts eventually took root.
—Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
But beneath that polite behavior, there could be a deeper issue quietly taking root: people-pleasing.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take root
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Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
However, mold that has essentially taken root into the surface may require a more aggressive approach, such as removing the affected drywall or wood and using mold encapsulate coatings on surrounding surfaces, according to Pace.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
The family moved to New Smyrna Beach in 2019, but Larry Littrell’s efforts eventually took root.
—Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
But beneath that polite behavior, there could be a deeper issue quietly taking root: people-pleasing.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take root
Cite this Entry
“Take root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20root. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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