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
There’s no more entrenching electric wire to send a radio signal to a dog’s shock collar—today’s products use apps and GPS to establish a virtual fence and connect to your dog's collar.
—
PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025
According to the ombudsman, CIA managers were entrenched in their judgments that China had not attempted to undermine Trump in the 2020 election and tried to suppress alternative assessments.
—Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025
The Giants didn’t get Fox in 2015 because their scouts were entrenched in the Bahamas, following him closely for years.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Without international cooperation and collaboration, disparities in access to digital knowledge and resources could entrench unwanted outcomes, leaving large swaths of the global population struggling to catch up.
—Klaus Schwab, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
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PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025
According to the ombudsman, CIA managers were entrenched in their judgments that China had not attempted to undermine Trump in the 2020 election and tried to suppress alternative assessments.
—Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025
The Giants didn’t get Fox in 2015 because their scouts were entrenched in the Bahamas, following him closely for years.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Without international cooperation and collaboration, disparities in access to digital knowledge and resources could entrench unwanted outcomes, leaving large swaths of the global population struggling to catch up.
—Klaus Schwab, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
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 5 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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