entrench

verb

en·​trench in-ˈtrench 

en-

variants or less commonly intrench

in-ˈtrench 

entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

transitive verb

1

a

: to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense

b

: to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position

c

: to establish solidly

entrenched themselves in the business

2

: to cut into : furrow

specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trench

intransitive verb

1

: to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes

2

: to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully : encroach

—used with on or upon

entrenchment

in-ˈtrench-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms

• bed
• embed
• imbed
• enroot
• fix
• impact
• implant
• ingrain
• engrain
• lodge
• root

Examples of entrench in a Sentence

officials who have tried to entrench themselves in office

a father who entrenched in our minds the belief that hard work pays off

Recent Examples on the Web

Ongoing political chaos will entrench the country’s economic and social problems—and leave Seoul woefully unprepared for Trump. —Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024

Ball-stoppers rarely align with the principles of winning basketball, and Randle’s tendencies are as entrenched as ever. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024

The Houthis, firmly entrenched in Yemen, show no signs of backing down. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Moreover, fluctuating climates over millennia may have further entrenched these behaviors as resources became unpredictable. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

entrench

verb

en·​trench in-ˈtrench 

1

a

: to dig, place within, surround with, or occupy a trench especially for defense

b

: to establish solidly

2

: encroach sense 1

—used with on or upon