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
Synonyms
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
David Ubben ranked the top 10 CFP games of all time, and Arizona State-Texas is already entrenched in the lore.
—
Chris Branch, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
The prevailing focus on affordability and accessibility, while important, reflects a system entrenched in disease management.
—Trisha Swift, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
The versatile defensive back was in the midst of a breakout season, entrenching himself as a starter despite joining the Chargers 10 days before their season opener in a trade with Tennessee.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
That dictatorship was controlled by the military, but this one would have been more firmly entrenched by combining the military with the judiciary.
—Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
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Chris Branch, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
The prevailing focus on affordability and accessibility, while important, reflects a system entrenched in disease management.
—Trisha Swift, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
The versatile defensive back was in the midst of a breakout season, entrenching himself as a starter despite joining the Chargers 10 days before their season opener in a trade with Tennessee.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
That dictatorship was controlled by the military, but this one would have been more firmly entrenched by combining the military with the judiciary.
—Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench
Dictionary Entries Near entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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