entrench

verb

en·trench | \ in-ˈtrench

, en-\

variants: or less commonly intrench \ in-ˈtrench

entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

Definition of entrench

transitive verb

1a : 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

Other Words from entrench Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about entrench

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Synonyms & Antonyms for entrench

Synonyms

bed, embed (also imbed), enroot, fix, impact, implant, ingrain (also engrain), lodge, root

Antonyms

dislodge, root (out), uproot

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

Though the layered look is firmly entrenched in Hollywood, the fashion world has lately been catching on to the neat, graphic impact of the blunt cut. — Eviana Hartman, Vogue, "The 19 Best Blunt Cuts of All Time, From Jane Birkin to Gwyneth Paltrow," 26 Dec. 2018 The weather pattern remains quite moody, with the cold air still firmly entrenched across Canada. — Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, "Ahead of Marathon Monday, it’s back to winter temperatures," 13 Apr. 2018 With every elapsing year since his death in 1946, Jack Johnson’s name became further entrenched in boxing archives. — Santos A. Perez, miamiherald, "Trump's pardon of Johnson 'was way overdue' | Miami Herald," 27 May 2018 The May 12 election appeared to result in a surprising victory for the coalition led by a Shiite cleric, Moktada al-Sadr, overturning a political establishment that has been entrenched since 2005. — Margaret Coker, New York Times, "Iraqi Council to Oversee Manual Recount Amid Post-Election Chaos," 7 June 2018 While possibly not permanent, another position outside left field could be big for both Stewart and the Orioles with Trey Mancini entrenched there for the foreseeable future. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles using spring training to test former first-round pick DJ Stewart in right field," 8 Mar. 2018 In contrast to white spaces, police are thoroughly entrenched in the lives of youths of color and the institutional fabric of their neighborhoods. — Vesla Mae Weaver, Vox, "The Kavanaugh hearings show who we afford a second chance and who we don’t," 28 Sep. 2018 Since the company launched, Kalam's been entrenched in what furniture sells fast — and what truly retains its value. — Danielle Tullo, House Beautiful, "Here's Exactly What Furniture Retains Its Value The Best Over Time," 31 Aug. 2018 And that, paradoxically, entrenches Republican support. — The Economist, "A cruel and unusual border policy," 2 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'entrench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.