Definition of "constitute"

constitute

/ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

verb
third-person singular simple present constitutes, present participle constituting, simple past and past participle constituted
1. (transitive) To set up; to establish; to enact.
  Quotations
  Laws appointed and constituted by lawful authority.
  1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Francis Ashe […]
2. (transitive) To make up; to compose; to form.
  Quotations
  Truth and reason constitute that intellectual gold that defies destruction.
  1779–81, Samuel Johnson, "Abraham Cowley" in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poet
3. (transitive) To appoint, depute, or elect to an office; to make and empower.
  Quotations
  Me didst Thou constitute a priest of thine.
  1814, William Wordsworth, The Excursion
noun
plural constitutes
1. (obsolete) An established law.
  Quotations
  A naughty man that will not obey the kings constitute.
  1569, Thomas Preston, Cambyses

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