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
… Allied troops entrenched themselves on the Normandy beach …—
Andrea Stone
Andrea Stone
b
: to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position
… a ruling clique's desire to … entrench itself against shifts in public opinion.—Henry Olsen
Henry Olsen
c
: to establish solidly
entrenched themselves in the business
… social reforms which the government is trying to entrench.—Michelle Grattan
Michelle Grattan2
: 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
entrench upon a person's rights
Synonyms of entrench
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
Dick, who succumbed to cancer in 2018, was a presidential speechwriter and advisor who Goodwin likens to the Zelig of the era, continually entrenched at the nexus of its consequential characters and moments.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Wennberg has been entrenched as the Sharks’ second line center since the start of the season and enters this week tied for third on the team with 26 points in 41 games this year.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
With Chambliss now entrenched, Simmons apparently decided to look around for a new school to call home next season.
—The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2026
Wealth inequality is entrenched, with the top 1% in major economies accounting for at least 20% of wealth.
—Jan Mischke, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Wennberg has been entrenched as the Sharks’ second line center since the start of the season and enters this week tied for third on the team with 26 points in 41 games this year.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
With Chambliss now entrenched, Simmons apparently decided to look around for a new school to call home next season.
—The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2026
Wealth inequality is entrenched, with the top 1% in major economies accounting for at least 20% of wealth.
—Jan Mischke, Fortune, 31 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2026.
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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