constitute

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1be (a part) of a whole: lone parents constitute a great proportion of the poor
  • combine to form (a whole): there were enough members present to constitute a quorum
  • be or be equivalent to (something): his failure to act constituted a breach of duty
  • 2give legal or constitutional form to (an institution); establish by law: the superior courts were constituted by the Judicature Acts 1873-5

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin constitut- 'established, appointed', from the verb constituere, from con- 'together' + statuere 'set up'