con·sti·tute 
/ˈkɑ:nstəˌtu:t, Brit ˈkɒnstəˌtju:t/ verb
con·sti·tutes; con·sti·tut·ed; con·sti·tut·ing /ˈkɑ:nstəˌtu:t, Brit ˈkɒnstəˌtju:t/ verb formal 1 not used in progressive tenses [linking verb] : to make up or form something
▪ Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college. ▪ Twelve months constitute a year. [=a year is made up of 12 months] 2 not used in progressive tenses [linking verb] : to be the same as something : to be equivalent to something
▪ The court determined that the search of their house constituted [=amounted to] a violation of their rights. 3 [+ obj] : to establish or create (an organization, a government, etc.) — usually used as (be) constituted ▪ The recently constituted government will hold elections in May.
▪ Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college. ▪ Twelve months constitute a year. [=a year is made up of 12 months]
▪ The court determined that the search of their house constituted [=amounted to] a violation of their rights.
