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
But the calculus in the Big 12 is completely different with so many teams entrenched in the top 75 of the NET ranking.
—
Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
The Hurricanes had Xavier Restrepo entrenched as the slot wide receiver, relegating Joseph to primarily a reserve and special teams role.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
The fact that the SAF and RSF are entrenched in their respective regional strongholds casts doubt on the significance of the military’s recent victories.
—Christopher Tounsel, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
The offseason prior to his third season, when Butler would entrench himself as a starter, the Bulls signed Mike Dunleavy Jr. to start at the small forward spot.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
The Hurricanes had Xavier Restrepo entrenched as the slot wide receiver, relegating Joseph to primarily a reserve and special teams role.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
The fact that the SAF and RSF are entrenched in their respective regional strongholds casts doubt on the significance of the military’s recent victories.
—Christopher Tounsel, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
The offseason prior to his third season, when Butler would entrench himself as a starter, the Bulls signed Mike Dunleavy Jr. to start at the small forward spot.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 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 8 Apr. 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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