1. The act of forming or establishing something
   "it was the establishment of his reputation";
   - constitution, formation, organization, organisation [Brit]
    
2. An organization founded and united for a specific purpose
   "The museum is a cultural establishment";
   - institution
    
3. The persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something
   "he quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment";
   - administration, governance, governing body, brass, organization, organisation [Brit], admin [informal]
    
4. A public or private structure (business or governmental or educational) including buildings and equipment for business or residence
   "The new research establishment was equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories"
    
5. Any large organization
   "The medical establishment was slow to accept the new treatment"
    
6. (ecology) the process by which a plant or animal becomes established in a new habitat
   "The establishment of invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems";
   - ecesis
    
7. The cognitive process of establishing a valid proof
   "The scientist sought establishment of her theory through rigorous experimentation";
   - validation

Derived forms: establishments

Type of: action, activity, beginning, body, cogent evidence, commencement, construction, natural action, natural process, org [informal], organisation [Brit], organization, proof, start, structure

Part of: authorities, government, regime

Encyclopedia: Establishment