1set up on a firm or permanent basis:the scheme was established in 1975 initiate or bring about (contact or communication):the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992
2achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for:the principle of the supremacy of national parliaments needs to be firmly established he had established himself as a film star introduce (a character, set, or location) into a film or play and allow its identification:establish the location with a wide shot
3show (something) to be true or certain by determining the facts: [with clause]:the police established that the two passports were forgeries
4 Bridge ensure that one’s remaining cards in (a suit) will be winners (if not trumped) by playing off the high cards in that suit: the right plan would be to establish dummy’s diamonds
