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
Both Microsoft and Meta Platforms have soared in recent years amid a frenzy around AI, and they’re entrenched among Wall Street’s most influential stocks.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
AirPods are entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist in a way conventional hearing aids are not.
—Steven Aquino, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Harris and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump are entrenched in an immensely close contest for the presidency, polls in Michigan and nationally show.
—Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024
And although superseding any technology as entrenched as passwords is difficult, new features and resources launching this week are pushing passkeys toward a tipping point.
—Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
AirPods are entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist in a way conventional hearing aids are not.
—Steven Aquino, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Harris and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump are entrenched in an immensely close contest for the presidency, polls in Michigan and nationally show.
—Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024
And although superseding any technology as entrenched as passwords is difficult, new features and resources launching this week are pushing passkeys toward a tipping point.
—Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 14 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share