Date: 1300-1400 Language: Latin Origin: erectus, past participle of erigere 'to erect', from regere 'to lead straight, guide' erect2 verb erect2 [transitive]1TBC formal to build something such as a building or wall: an imposing town hall, erected in 1892 Police have erected barriers across the main roads into the town.2 to fix all the pieces of something together, and put it in an upright position