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
These stereotypes were further entrenched following the US military’s occupation of parts of Asia including Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan.
—
Li Zhou, Vox, 8 July 2024
Elections under a regime such as the one entrenched in Tehran are neither free nor fair.
—Jason Rezaian, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
Nearly every day, a few new herds are found to have infections, entrenching the virus deeper into the cattle population and expanding its footprint across more states.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 26 June 2024
Roxanne was already firmly entrenched in the magazine, shooting all of our backstage in Paris, Milan, London, and New York, as well as covering the hottest parties around town.
—Ivan Shaw, Vogue, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
Li Zhou, Vox, 8 July 2024
Elections under a regime such as the one entrenched in Tehran are neither free nor fair.
—Jason Rezaian, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
Nearly every day, a few new herds are found to have infections, entrenching the virus deeper into the cattle population and expanding its footprint across more states.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 26 June 2024
Roxanne was already firmly entrenched in the magazine, shooting all of our backstage in Paris, Milan, London, and New York, as well as covering the hottest parties around town.
—Ivan Shaw, Vogue, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench
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.
Dictionary Entries Near entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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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