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
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
Today, it is firmly entrenched as a historic turning point in American cinema, dissected in film courses, and beloved by filmmakers and audiences alike.
—
Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Iran and Israel are entrenched in their respective positions.
—Sanam Vakil, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
The dictatorship entrenches itself by fomenting fear and anger on both sides.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
Day’s first issue will be published in October and he’s already been entrenched in the publication by taking on a fashion director role for the last couple of issues.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Iran and Israel are entrenched in their respective positions.
—Sanam Vakil, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
The dictatorship entrenches itself by fomenting fear and anger on both sides.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
Day’s first issue will be published in October and he’s already been entrenched in the publication by taking on a fashion director role for the last couple of issues.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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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