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
State constitutions likewise entrenched robust jury rights.
—
Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
This fragmentation further entrenches geopolitical tensions and makes LNG and energy pipelines strategic assets on top of commercial projects.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Directed by Aranya Sahay and produced by Mathivanan Rajendran, Sarabhi Ravichandran, Shilpa Kumar and Aranya through Storiculture’s Impact Fellowship and Sauv Films, the drama examines how technological progress can entrench exclusion while sidelining indigenous knowledge systems.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
An integral part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense for the past four seasons, Hilton initially appeared firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart.
—Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
This fragmentation further entrenches geopolitical tensions and makes LNG and energy pipelines strategic assets on top of commercial projects.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Directed by Aranya Sahay and produced by Mathivanan Rajendran, Sarabhi Ravichandran, Shilpa Kumar and Aranya through Storiculture’s Impact Fellowship and Sauv Films, the drama examines how technological progress can entrench exclusion while sidelining indigenous knowledge systems.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
An integral part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense for the past four seasons, Hilton initially appeared firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart.
—Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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