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

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with ENTRENCH

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