I. ˈkänztəˌt(y)üt, -än(t)stəˌt(y)-, rapid -än(t)səˌt(y)- or -än(t)ˌst(y)-, usu -üd.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin constitutus, past participle of constituere to constitute, from com- + -stituere (from statuere to set, place) — more at statute
1.
a. : to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
legal authority constitutes all magistrates
constituted authorities
b. : to make (a person or thing) something
he constituted himself their guide
I shall constitute you skipper and pilot of the craft — William Black
2. archaic : to set or station in a situation, state, character : place
the fiery star of Mars constituted in the midst of heaven — John Gaule
3. : to set up : establish: as
a. : to put into force (as a law) : enact
such regulations as are constituted by the government
b. : found
constitute a social club for immigrants
: formally establish
constitute a provisional government
in 1833 Ceylon had been constituted a British crown colony — Current Biography
c. : to give due or lawful form to (as a proceeding or document) : legally process
an agreement constituted by writing
d. : to cause (as a trait) to become fixed : determine
4. : to make up (the element or elements of which a thing, person, or idea is made up) : form , compose
52 cards constitute a pack
vivacity constitutes her greatest charm
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin constitutus
1. archaic : constituted, established
2. archaic : formed
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: constitute (I)
: a linguistic form with more than one immediate constituent : construction , compound