ESTABLISH

(START) [verb] - to start (an activity which will last a long time); to create (something)We have decided to establish a new department/system. [T]These methods of working were established in the last century. [T]The company established a close working relationship with a similar firm in France. [T]Some plants take a long time to establish (= to start growing well after being planted). [I]He has established himself as the leading candidate in the election. [T]A link has been established between violent films and real-life violence. [T]In British law, to establish a precedent (US usually set a precedent) means that when a decision about a particular case has been made it is then likely that other similar cases will be decided in the same way.The judgment on pension rights has established a precedent.An old-established or a long-established company is one that was started many years ago.