entrench

verb

en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly intrench
entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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
entrenchment noun

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 Such a barrier to entry is the surest way to entrench the power of existing players. Jordan McGillis, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024 Related article Apple hit with landmark $2 billion EU antitrust fine For years, policymakers around the world have accused tech giants of monopolizing digital markets and using consumers’ personal data to entrench their power or to identify new markets to dominate. Brian Fung, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 The occupation has also enabled and entrenched Israel’s system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians. NBC News, 20 Feb. 2024 The merger is believed to further entrench the firm’s position as a gaming giant. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 And resuming funding would further entrench the unseemly incentives that have insulated the U.N. from accountability for the agency’s rank antisemitism and incitement of terrorism. The Editors, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024 With Ward and Lenoir entrenched as starting cornerbacks, the 49ers enter another offseason seeking a solution at nickel back, where K’Waun Williams and then Jimmie Ward performed well in that role in past years; Williams, 32, will become a free agent if the Denver Broncos do not re-sign him. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Witt is firmly entrenched as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 Our nation faces many problems, including moral decay, religious decline, economic malaise, and military vulnerabilities, but none of these problems are as firmly entrenched as our primary governmental problem, the administrative state. Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entrench.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entrench was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near entrench

Cite this Entry

“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

entrench

verb
en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on entrench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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