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 country’s economy is tottering and reliant on IMF bailouts, while the powerful military is entrenched in every aspect of life, according to its critics.
—
Sophia Saifi, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
The Reds haven’t had a first baseman or third baseman play in at least half of the team’s games since 2021, when Votto and Suárez were entrenched in those spots.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Every year, Israel was more deeply entrenching itself in the West Bank, which would be the heartland of a Palestinian state.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
Like Boone, Rice sees his versatility as an asset with Austin Wells, another left-handed swinger, entrenched as the team’s starting catcher.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Sophia Saifi, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
The Reds haven’t had a first baseman or third baseman play in at least half of the team’s games since 2021, when Votto and Suárez were entrenched in those spots.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Every year, Israel was more deeply entrenching itself in the West Bank, which would be the heartland of a Palestinian state.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
Like Boone, Rice sees his versatility as an asset with Austin Wells, another left-handed swinger, entrenched as the team’s starting catcher.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 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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