entrench
verb
en·trench
in-ˈtrench 
en-
variants
or less commonly intrench
entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches
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
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
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
The launch of Phorm Energy further entrenches Anheuser-Busch’s relationship with the controversial White.
—
Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
One is entrenched in Gilead, while the other resides with Mayday operatives helping to smuggle women out of the republic.
—EW.com, 28 May 2025
And that makes sense, with COVID-level deficits of $2 trillion on $7 trillion in outlays now entrenched.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Catholicism, long entrenched as the state religion, lost its privileges, properties and political power.
—Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
One is entrenched in Gilead, while the other resides with Mayday operatives helping to smuggle women out of the republic.
—EW.com, 28 May 2025
And that makes sense, with COVID-level deficits of $2 trillion on $7 trillion in outlays now entrenched.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Catholicism, long entrenched as the state religion, lost its privileges, properties and political power.
—Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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