settle

settle

settle¹ [set′'l]

n.

[ME settel < OE setl (akin to Ger sessel) < IE * sedla- < base * sed- > SIT]

a long wooden bench with a back, armrests, and sometimes a chest beneath the seat

settle² [set′'l]

vt.

settled, settling [ME setlen < OE setlan < setl, a seat: see SETTLE¹]

1. to put in order; arrange or adjust as desired [to settle one's affairs]

2. to set in place firmly or comfortably [to settle oneself in a chair]

3. to establish as a resident or residents [he settled his family in London]

4. to migrate to and set up a community in; colonize [New York was settled by the Dutch]

5. to cause to sink and become more dense and compact [the rain settled the dust]

6. to clarify (a liquid) by causing the sediment to sink to the bottom

7. to free (the mind, nerves, stomach, etc.) from disturbance; calm or quiet

8. to prevent from creating a disturbance or interfering, or from continuing in such action, as by a reprimand or a blow

9. to make stable or permanent; establish

10. to establish in business, office, work, marriage, etc.

11. to fix definitely; determine or decide (something in doubt)

12. to end (a dispute)

13. to pay (a bill, debt, account, etc.)

14. to make over (property, etc.) to someone by legal action: with on or upon

15. to resolve (a legal dispute) by agreement between the parties

16. to impregnate (a female): said of an animal

vi.

1. to stop moving and stay in one place; come to rest

2. to cast itself, as darkness, fog, etc. over a landscape, or gloom or silence over a person or group; descend

3. to become localized in a given part of the body: said of pain or disease

4. to take up permanent residence; make one's home

5. to move downward; sink, esp. gradually [the car settled in the mud]

6. to become more dense or compact by sinking, as sediment or loose soil when shaken

7. to become clearer by the settling of sediment or dregs

8. to become more stable or composed; stop fluctuating or changing

9.

a) to reach an agreement or decision: usually with with, on, or upon

☆ b) to accept something in place of what is hoped for, demanded, etc.: with for [he'll settle for any kind of work]

10. to pay a bill or debt

SYN.- DECIDE

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settle down

1. to take up permanent residence, a regular job, etc.; lead a more routine, stable life, as after marriage

2. to become less nervous, restless, or erratic

3. to become calm as by diminishing in force

4. to apply oneself steadily or attentively

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settle up

to determine what is owed and make the necessary adjustments