What does "erect" mean?

1. (to build or put up) to build a building, wall, or other structure. 2. (to establish) to start or create an organization or a system. 3. (upright) standing straight up and not bending.

erect

v. · adj.

US //ɪˈɹɛkt// UK //ɪɹˈɛkt// erect

1 to build or put up (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to build a building, wall, or other structure.

to construct or assemble a vertical structure by fitting parts together. Transitive in this sense.

Example

The workers began to erect a high fence around the construction site.

Example

The city council decided to erect a monument in the central plaza to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the town.
- demolish
- dismantle
2 to establish (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic Law

to start or create an organization or a system.

to set up or establish an institution, system, or legal entity. Used in formal or legal contexts.

Example

The government plans to erect a new department to handle environmental issues.

Example

The treaty allowed the member states to erect a common framework for trade and judicial cooperation across the border.
- dissolve
- abolish

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3 upright (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

standing straight up and not bending.

standing in a vertical or upright position; rigid and firm. Often used in biological or anatomical descriptions.

Example

The dog stood with its ears erect, listening for any strange noises.

Example

The soldier maintained an erect posture throughout the long ceremony, despite the heat and the weight of his formal uniform.
- bent
- slouching
- horizontal

Etymology 1

From Middle English erect, a borrowing from Latin ērectus (“upright”), past participle of ērigō (“raise, set up”), from ē- (“out”) + regō (“to direct, keep straight, guide”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English erecten, from the adjective (see above).