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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | setlan |
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set‧tle S2 W2
1 to end an argument or solve a disagreement We hope the factions will be able to settle their differences (=agree to stop arguing) by peaceful means. Forensic tests should settle the question of whether Bates was actually present at the scene of the crime. They might be willing to settle out of court (=come to an agreement without going to a court of law).
end argument
[intransitive and transitive] settle a dispute/lawsuit/conflict/argument etc Rodman met with Kreeger to try and settle the dispute over his contract.
Rodman met with Kreeger to try and settle the dispute over his contract.We hope the factions will be able to settle their differences (=agree to stop arguing) by peaceful means.Forensic tests should settle the question of whether Bates was actually present at the scene of the crime.They might be willing to settle out of court (=come to an agreement without going to a court of law).2 to decide what you are going to do, especially so that you can make definite arrangements : Nothing's settled yet. 'She's only 15.' ' That settles it! (=that is enough information for a definite decision to be made) We're not taking her with us!'
decide
[transitive usually passive]Nothing's settled yet.'She's only 15.' ' That settles it! (=that is enough information for a definite decision to be made) We're not taking her with us!'3
start living in a place
a) [intransitive,transitive usually passive] to go to a place where no people have lived permanently before and start to live there : This territory was settled in the mid-1850s by German immigrants.
This territory was settled in the mid-1850s by German immigrants.b) [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to go to live in a new place, and stay there for a long time
4 to put yourself or someone else in a comfortable position The dog settled on the grass to enjoy its bone. A nurse settled the old man into a chair. ➔ settle back
comfortable
[intransitive,transitive always + adverb/preposition] settle yourself in/on etc something Donna did not dare settle herself too comfortably into her seat, in case she fell asleep.
Donna did not dare settle herself too comfortably into her seat, in case she fell asleep.The dog settled on the grass to enjoy its bone.A nurse settled the old man into a chair.5 to become quiet and calm, or to make someone quiet and calm : When the children had settled, Miss Brown gave out the new reading books.
quiet/calm
also settle down [intransitive and transitive]When the children had settled, Miss Brown gave out the new reading books.6
move down
[intransitive]a) if dust, snow etc settles, it comes down and stays in one place
b) if a bird, insect etc settles, it flies down and rests on something
settle on A fly kept trying to settle on his face.
A fly kept trying to settle on his face.c) if something such as a building or the ground settles, it sinks slowly to a lower level : The crack in the wall is caused by the ground settling.
The crack in the wall is caused by the ground settling.7 to pay money that is owed
pay money
[transitive] settle a bill/account/claim I always settle my account in full each month. These insurance companies take forever to settle a claim.
I always settle my account in full each month.These insurance companies take forever to settle a claim. settle with He was able to settle with his creditors, and avoid going to jail.
He was able to settle with his creditors, and avoid going to jail.8 to deal with all the details of a business or of someone's money or property, so that nothing further needs to be done : When it is finally settled, the Marshall estate may be worth no more than $100,000.
organize business/money
[transitive]When it is finally settled, the Marshall estate may be worth no more than $100,000.9 to do something to hurt or cause trouble for someone because they have harmed or offended you :
settle a score/account
10 if your eyes settle on something or someone, you notice them and look at them for a period of time : Her gaze settled on a door, and she wondered what was on the other side of it.
somebody's eyes/gaze settles on somebody/something
writtenHer gaze settled on a door, and she wondered what was on the other side of it.11 if a quality or feeling settles over a place or person, it begins and has a strong effect
feeling/quality
[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written settle over/on An uneasy silence settled over the room. Depression settled over her like a heavy black cloud.
An uneasy silence settled over the room.Depression settled over her like a heavy black cloud.12 if a particular expression settles on your face, it stays there : A disapproving frown settled on her face.
expression
[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] writtenA disapproving frown settled on her face.13 if your stomach settles, or if something settles it, it stops feeling uncomfortable or making you sick : Georgia had taken pills to settle her stomach, but she was still throwing up every hour.
stomach
[intransitive and transitive]Georgia had taken pills to settle her stomach, but she was still throwing up every hour.➔ let the dust settle/wait for the dust to settle
at dust1 (5)settle back
phrasal verbVera settled back to enjoy the film.settle down
phrasal verb1 to become quiet and calm, or to make someone quiet and calm : Shh! Settle down please! Now turn to page 57. When Kyle was a baby we used to take him for rides in the car to settle him down.
settle (somebody) down
Shh! Settle down please! Now turn to page 57.When Kyle was a baby we used to take him for rides in the car to settle him down.2 to start living a quiet and calm life in one place, especially when you get married : They'd like to see their daughter settle down, get married, and have kids.
They'd like to see their daughter settle down, get married, and have kids.3 to start giving all of your attention to a job or activity
4 if a situation settles down, it becomes calmer and you are less busy or less worried :
settle for something
phrasal verbThey want $2500 for it, but they might settle for $2000.settle in
phrasal verbHow's your new home? Are you settling in OK?It takes a few months to settle into life at college.settle on/upon somebody/something
phrasal verb1 to decide or agree on something : They haven't settled on a name for the baby yet.
They haven't settled on a name for the baby yet.2 to make a formal arrangement to give money or property to someone : She settled a small yearly sum on each of her children.
settle something on somebody
British English formalBFShe settled a small yearly sum on each of her children.settle up
phrasal verbBBT to pay what you owe on an account or bill : We settled up and checked out of the hotel.
We settled up and checked out of the hotel.