retrench

re·trench

verb \ri-ˈtrench\

Definition of RETRENCH

transitive verb

1

a : cut down, reduce b : to cut out : excise

2

: to pare away : remove

intransitive verb

: to make retrenchments; specifically : economize

Examples of RETRENCH

1. When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

Origin of RETRENCH

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

First Known Use: 1596

Rhymes with RETRENCH

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