settle

What is settle? A clear definition with examples, FAQ and related legal terms.

To conclude or resolve (something): To determine (something which was exposed to doubt or question); to resolve conclusively; to set or fix (a time, an order of succession, etc).

settle — Definition and meaning

(Verb) To conclude or resolve (something): To determine (something which was exposed to doubt or question); to resolve conclusively; to set or fix (a time, an order of succession, etc).
• To determine (something which was exposed to doubt or question); to resolve conclusively; to set or fix (a time, an order of succession, etc).
• To conclude, to cause (a dispute) to finish.
• In particular, to terminate (a lawsuit), usually out of court, by agreement of all parties.
• To close, liquidate or balance (an account) by payment, sometimes of less than is owed or due.
• To pay (a bill or debt).
• To adjust differences or accounts; to come to an agreement on matters in dispute.
• To conclude a lawsuit by agreement of the parties rather than a decision of a court.
• To place or arrange in(to) a desired (especially: calm) state, or make final disposition of (something).
• To put into (proper) place; to make sit or lie properly.
• To cause to no longer be in a disturbed, confused or stormy; to quiet; to calm (nerves, waters, a boisterous or rebellious child, etc).
• To silence, especially by force.
• To kill.
• To bring or restore (ground, roads, etc) to a smooth, dry, or passable condition.
• To become calm, quiet, or orderly; to stop being agitated.
• To become firm, dry, and hard, like the ground after the effects of rain or frost have disappeared.
• To establish or become established in a steady position: To place in(to) a fixed or permanent condition or position or on(to) a permanent basis; to make firm, steady, or stable; to establish or fix. In particular, to establish in life; to fix in business, in a home, etc. In particular, to establish in pastoral office; to ordain or install as pastor or rector of a church, society, or parish.
• To place in(to) a fixed or permanent condition or position or on(to) a permanent basis; to make firm, steady, or stable; to establish or fix.
• In particular, to establish in life; to fix in business, in a home, etc. In particular, to establish in pastoral office; to ordain or install as pastor or rector of a church, society, or parish.
• In particular, to establish in pastoral office; to ordain or install as pastor or rector of a church, society, or parish.
• To formally, legally secure (an annuity, property, title, etc) on (a person).
• To make a jointure for a spouse.
• To become married, or a householder.
• To be established in a profession or in employment.
• To become stationary or fixed; to come to rest.
• To fix one's residence in a place; to establish a dwelling place, home, or colony.
• To colonize (an area); to migrate to (a land, territory, site, etc).
• To move (people) to (a land or territory), so as to colonize it; to cause (people) to take residence in (a place).
• To sink, or cause (something, or impurities within it) to sink down, especially so as to become clear or compact. To clear or purify (a liquid) of dregs and impurities by causing them to sink.
• To clear or purify (a liquid) of dregs and impurities by causing them to sink.
• To cause to sink down or to be deposited (dregs, sediment, etc).
• To render compact or solid; to cause to become packed down.
• To sink to the bottom of a body of liquid, as dregs of a liquid, or the sediment of a reservoir.
• To sink gradually to a lower level; to subside, for example the foundation of a house, etc.
• To become compact due to sinking.
• To become clear due to the sinking of sediment.
• Of an animal: to make or become pregnant.

(Noun) A seat of any kind.
• A long bench with a high back and arms, often with chest or storage space underneath.
• A place made lower than the rest; a wide step or platform lower than some other part.

The importance of settle

settle appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.

How settle is applied

In practice, settle is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.

Continue exploring

Source: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and definitions can vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.

Last updated: