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

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

Examples of take root in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By three weeks post-jab, new blood vessels are taking root and fat cells are moving into the matrix, Chnari says. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025

Highly flammable tamarisk shrubs have taken root in thick stands near streams in the western US, and eucalyptus — one of the primary invasive trees blamed for worsening Chile’s recent wildfires as well as fires in Portugal — increases wildfire risk in California. —Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025

But looking further into the future, a lasting, long-term peace will take root only if the Moros feel safe in their homeland and heard by their political leaders. —Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

Grosse Pointe Garden Society is taking root amid murder and mayhem. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1