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
Beyoncé’s hometown, Houston, is famous for its hip hop, but is obviously still entrenched in Southern traditions.
—
Leah Asmelash, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
Aside from systemic barriers in accessing IVF treatments, many Black women and people seeking care have to contend with the cultural stigma surrounding fertility treatments that is deeply entrenched within Black communities.
—Larada Lee, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024
Since the patch’s arrival last week, the record number of folks playing Stardew Valley on the game streaming platform Steam spiked at over 230,000, further entrenching Stardew Valley as one of the most popular farming games of all time.
—Ian Walker |, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2024
But that same aid can also enable repression and entrench nondemocratic rule.
—Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2024
Real or not, Molly and the song that brought her to life has become entrenched in Dublin culture, Yeates said.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024
And now that the public health emergency is over, that workplace divide — who gets the benefits of remote flexibility and who does not — has become entrenched.
—Ben Casselman, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024
The state of Palestine is already entrenched in the imagination of Palestinians and in their own legality.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2024
Ward is entrenched as an outside corner, with Lenoir available either outside or as a slot corner.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024
Leah Asmelash, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
Aside from systemic barriers in accessing IVF treatments, many Black women and people seeking care have to contend with the cultural stigma surrounding fertility treatments that is deeply entrenched within Black communities.
—Larada Lee, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024
Since the patch’s arrival last week, the record number of folks playing Stardew Valley on the game streaming platform Steam spiked at over 230,000, further entrenching Stardew Valley as one of the most popular farming games of all time.
—Ian Walker |, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2024
But that same aid can also enable repression and entrench nondemocratic rule.
—Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2024
Real or not, Molly and the song that brought her to life has become entrenched in Dublin culture, Yeates said.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024
And now that the public health emergency is over, that workplace divide — who gets the benefits of remote flexibility and who does not — has become entrenched.
—Ben Casselman, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024
The state of Palestine is already entrenched in the imagination of Palestinians and in their own legality.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2024
Ward is entrenched as an outside corner, with Lenoir available either outside or as a slot corner.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 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
Dictionary Entries Near entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on entrench
Nglish: Translation of entrench for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of entrench for Arabic Speakers
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