re-establish
UK[ˌriːɪˈstæblɪʃ]US[ˌriːɪˈstæblɪʃ]
v
To establish (something) again or anew
Morpheme Breakdown
re
establish
re
again
establish
set up
Etymology
The word is a compound formed in English by adding the productive Latin prefix 're-' to the existing verb 'establish'. The core verb 'establish' entered English from Old French 'establir', which itself derived from Latin 'stabilire', meaning "to make stable," from 'stabilis' (firm, steadfast). The prefix 're-', of Latin origin, is one of the most common and versatile in English, consistently conveying the sense of repetition or restoration. Therefore, 're-establish' logically and transparently means to set up or found something firmly for a second or subsequent time, restoring a previous state of stability or existence.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + establish (set up)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- establish: From Latin 'stabilire' (to make stable), via Old French 'establir'. The morpheme 'stablish' functions as the verb root meaning "to set up firmly or permanently".
Examples
The government aims to re-establish diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.
After the fire, the family worked hard to re-establish their home and routine.
The company's new CEO's primary task is to re-establish trust with its customers.