establishment
ih-STAB-lish-munt
/ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/
A dominant group or elite that holds power or authority in a nation or organization.
Often used with 'the' (The Establishment) to refer to the traditional, conservative power structures that resist change.
The story behind the word. The term 'The Establishment' in its political sense was popularized in the 1950s by British journalist Henry Fairlie to describe the network of people who 'matter' in the UK.
Word relationships
- elite: Elite refers to the best or most powerful; the establishment refers to the settled, traditional structure of that power.
- counter-culture: A way of life and set of attitudes opposed to the prevailing social norm.
Commonly confused with
- institution: An institution is a specific organization; the establishment is the collective group of people in power across institutions.
Word family
- establish (verb): To set up or create.
Collocations
- the political establishment
- the scientific establishment
- challenge the establishment
Example sentences
- "The young candidate ran a campaign that was explicitly anti-establishment." Political protest.
- "The literary establishment was slow to recognize the genius of the new genre." Social commentary.
Memory hook
The Establishment is 'stable'—they have been there a long time and they aren't moving. Stable and in power.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with the act of 'establishing' a business, though they share a root.
Fun facts
- In the UK, 'The Establishment' specifically referred to the Church of England, the aristocracy, and the top civil servants.
Related words
Explore more words
entrenched, elite, subversion, subversive, hegemony, authority
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