entrench

en·trench

verb \in-ˈtrench, en-\

Definition of ENTRENCH

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

— en·trench·ment \-mənt\ noun

Variants of ENTRENCH

en·trench also in·trench \in-\

Examples of ENTRENCH

1. officials who have tried to entrench themselves in office
2. <a father who entrenched in our minds the belief that hard work pays off>

First Known Use of ENTRENCH

1548

Related to ENTRENCH

Synonyms

bed, embed (also imbed), enroot, fix, impact, implant, ingrain (also engrain), lodge, root

Antonyms

dislodge, root (out), uproot

Related Words

imbue, infuse, instill; beat (into), drive (into); establish, place, put, settle, stick

Near Antonyms

eliminate, eradicate; eject, expel; detach, disconnect, disengage, remove

Rhymes with ENTRENCH

backbench, front bench, King's Bench, Old French, pipe wrench, Queen's Bench, retrench, slit trench, unclench, workbench