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
All tall tasks, since the octopus-like Republican apparatus behind these pathologies entrenched over decades.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
And Paton’s now entrenched as the Broncos’ primary front-office decision-maker for years to come, as Denver attempts to leap into a wide-open Super Bowl window.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The 200-acre Fayetteville facility is a fútbol showcase, entrenching Georgia as the center of the international sport’s growth in America.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
Nawi‘s father is entrenched in tribal traditions, while her three mothers are limited by their traditional roles.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
And Paton’s now entrenched as the Broncos’ primary front-office decision-maker for years to come, as Denver attempts to leap into a wide-open Super Bowl window.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The 200-acre Fayetteville facility is a fútbol showcase, entrenching Georgia as the center of the international sport’s growth in America.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
Nawi‘s father is entrenched in tribal traditions, while her three mothers are limited by their traditional roles.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 9 May. 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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