1set·tle 
/ˈsɛtl̟/ verb
set·tles; set·tled; set·tling /ˈsɛtl̟/ verb 1 : to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement [+ obj] ▪ They were determined to settle the dispute/argument before going home for the day. ▪ settle a case/lawsuit ▪ The two sides have settled their differences. [no obj] ▪ He agreed to settle out of court. [=to reach an agreement about a legal case without going to court] 2 [+ obj] : to make a final decision about (something) : decide
▪ We need to settle this question once and for all. ▪ That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going. — often used as (be) settled ▪ It's settled then: you pay for dinner and I'll pay for the movie. 3 : to move to a place and make it your home [no obj] ▪ His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania. ▪ He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country. [+ obj] ▪ the people who settled the West — often used as (be) settled ▪ The region was settled by German immigrants. ▪ The area was settled in the 18th century. 4 a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to put or place (someone) in a comfortable position [+ obj] ▪ He settled the baby into its crib. ▪ She settled herself behind the wheel and pulled the car out of the driveway. [no obj] ▪ He settled back into his chair.
b [no obj] : to begin to feel comfortable in a new place, job, position, etc. — + in or into ▪ I'm glad to finally be settling in at my new job. ▪ The children are settling into their new school just fine. 5 a [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) quiet or calm
▪ Rocking settled the baby. ▪ She had a drink to settle her nerves.
b [no obj] : to become quiet or calm
▪ I'm still waiting for my nerves to settle. [=settle down] 6 [+ obj] : to relieve pain and discomfort in (the stomach)
▪ Ginger and peppermint tea are good for settling the/your stomach. 7 [no obj] a : to move slowly downward : to sink gradually
▪ The foundation of the house has settled a little. ▪ an area where the ground has settled
b : to go or fall down to a surface
▪ Dust settled on the shelves. ▪ The cocoa settled to the bottom of the mug. ▪ Some of the contents (of the package) may have settled during shipping. ▪ Fog settles [=collects] in the valley. — see also the dust settles at 1dust
c : to stop flying, moving, etc., and rest on something — often + on ▪ The birds settled on a branch. ▪ His eyes settled on the woman in the red dress. [=his eyes stopped moving and he looked at the woman in the red dress] — often used figuratively ▪ A hush settled on the crowd. = A hush settled over the room. [=everyone in the crowd/room became quiet] ▪ Boredom settled on the faces of the students. [=the students began to look bored] 8 : to pay money that is owed [no obj] — often + with or up ▪ Before moving he settled with the utility company. ▪ We can settle up later. [+ obj] ▪ We settled the bill. ▪ When do you intend to settle your account? [=pay what you owe] 9 [+ obj] a : to arrange who will be given control or ownership of (a property, business, etc.)
▪ She had to settle her aunt's estate after her death.
b : to put (something) in order so that nothing else needs to be done
▪ He settled his affairs before entering the army.
▪ We need to settle this question once and for all. ▪ That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going. — often used as (be) settled ▪ It's settled then: you pay for dinner and I'll pay for the movie.
b [no obj] : to begin to feel comfortable in a new place, job, position, etc. — + in or into ▪ I'm glad to finally be settling in at my new job. ▪ The children are settling into their new school just fine.
▪ Rocking settled the baby. ▪ She had a drink to settle her nerves.
b [no obj] : to become quiet or calm
▪ I'm still waiting for my nerves to settle. [=settle down]
▪ Ginger and peppermint tea are good for settling the/your stomach.
▪ The foundation of the house has settled a little. ▪ an area where the ground has settled
b : to go or fall down to a surface
▪ Dust settled on the shelves. ▪ The cocoa settled to the bottom of the mug. ▪ Some of the contents (of the package) may have settled during shipping. ▪ Fog settles [=collects] in the valley. — see also the dust settles at 1dust
c : to stop flying, moving, etc., and rest on something — often + on ▪ The birds settled on a branch. ▪ His eyes settled on the woman in the red dress. [=his eyes stopped moving and he looked at the woman in the red dress] — often used figuratively ▪ A hush settled on the crowd. = A hush settled over the room. [=everyone in the crowd/room became quiet] ▪ Boredom settled on the faces of the students. [=the students began to look bored]
▪ She had to settle her aunt's estate after her death.
b : to put (something) in order so that nothing else needs to be done
▪ He settled his affairs before entering the army.
settle a/the score — see 1score
settle down [phrasal verb] 1 a : to become quiet, calm, or orderly
▪ Settle down, children. ▪ When things settle down here, I'll come for a visit.
b settle (someone or something) down or settle down (someone or something) : to make (someone or something) quiet, calm, or orderly
▪ He managed to settle the dog down long enough to give her the medicine. 2 : to begin to live a quiet and steady life by getting a regular job, getting married, etc.
▪ They swore they would never settle down and get married. 3 : to put yourself into a comfortable position
▪ She settled down on the bed. ▪ He settled down for the night. 4 : to become quiet and begin giving your attention to something
▪ They quickly settled down to their work.
▪ Settle down, children. ▪ When things settle down here, I'll come for a visit.
b settle (someone or something) down or settle down (someone or something) : to make (someone or something) quiet, calm, or orderly
▪ He managed to settle the dog down long enough to give her the medicine.
▪ They swore they would never settle down and get married.
▪ She settled down on the bed. ▪ He settled down for the night.
▪ They quickly settled down to their work.
settle for [phrasal verb]
settle for (something) : to be happy or satisfied with (something) : to accept (something)
▪ Neither team would settle for a tie score. ▪ He asked his parents if he could borrow $20 but settled for $10. [=he accepted $10 because that was all they would give him] ▪ I'm determined to win the championship and I won't settle for less.
▪ Neither team would settle for a tie score. ▪ He asked his parents if he could borrow $20 but settled for $10. [=he accepted $10 because that was all they would give him] ▪ I'm determined to win the championship and I won't settle for less.
settle on/upon [phrasal verb] 1 settle on/upon (something or someone) : to choose (something or someone) after thinking about other possible choices
▪ We weren't sure what color we'd paint the kitchen, but we finally settled on a soft yellow. ▪ Hours later, they settled on a plan. 2 settle (something) on (someone) chiefly Brit : to arrange to give (money or property) to (someone)
▪ She settled her whole fortune on her grandchildren.
▪ We weren't sure what color we'd paint the kitchen, but we finally settled on a soft yellow. ▪ Hours later, they settled on a plan.
▪ She settled her whole fortune on her grandchildren.
