settle Definition

settle¹
verb settled, settling

tr & intr
1. To make or become securely, comfortably or satisfactorily positioned or established.
tr & intr
2. To come to an agreement about it.

Example: settle an argument
Example: settle on a date
Form: settle on something (also)
intr
3. To come to rest.
4. To subside.

Example: Wait till the dust has settled
5. To establish a practice or routine.

Example: You'll soon settle into the job
tr & intr
6. To make or become calm, quiet or disciplined after a period of noisy excitement or chaos.

Thesaurus: quiet, calm, compose, pacify, soothe, tranquilize, sedate, relax, quell, lull, hush.
Form: settle down (also)
Form: settle someone down
7. To conclude or decide.

Example: Let's settle this matter once and for all
Thesaurus: decide, choose, determine, resolve, conclude, judge, establish, verify, prove.
tr & intr
8. To establish or take up a permanent home or residence.

Example: They eventually settled in Australia
Thesaurus: lodge, locate, reside, dwell, colonize, inhabit, live in, populate.
tr & intr
9. To pay off or clear (a bill or debt); to settle accounts.

Example: I will settle the bill
Form: settle up (also)
intr
10. Said of particles in a liquid: to sink to the bottom or form a scum.

Thesaurus: sink, descend, decline, fall, drop, lower, submerge, plunge, immerse.
11. To secure by gift or legal act.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon setlan to place.

Phrasal Verb: settle for something

To accept it as a compromise or instead of something more suitable
Example: Would you settle for half the amount?

Phrasal Verb: settle in

To adapt to a new living environment.

Phrasal Verb: settle something on someone

To transfer ownership of it legally to them.
Example: She settled her estate on her son

Phrasal Verb: settle with someone

To come to an agreement or deal with them.

---

settle²
noun

1. A wooden bench with arms and a solid high back, often with a storage chest fitted below the seat.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon setl.