establishment

Meaning

Noun

• The act of establishing; a ratifying or ordaining; settlement; confirmation.
• The state of being established, founded, etc.; fixed state.
• That which is established; as a form of government, a permanent organization, business or force, or the place where one is permanently fixed for residence.
• The ruling class or authority group in a society; especially, an entrenched authority dedicated to preserving the status quo. Also Establishment.
• The number of staff required to run a department or organisation (often used in the context of healthcare and other public services).

Related

Similar words

• , foundation

Opposite words

• abolition

Origin

• From Middle English *establishment, stablishment, stablisshement, from Old French establissement (Modern French établissement), from the verb establir. Equivalent to establish + -ment.