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
More recently however this dynamic has changed as bitcoin and other assets have become more firmly entrenched in the risk-on asset category.
—
Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
The political divide has become so wide and entrenched that everything is fodder for dimwitted outrage.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Lawmwakers on Capitol Hill, entrenched in a seemingly intractable debate over health care and immigration, have struggled for nearly two weeks to pass any funding bills to turn the lights back on.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Now, with Turnpike firmly entrenched as one of the biggest and most important bands in independent country music, Miller and the Old 97’s have enjoyed several prime slots as openers for the Troubadours.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
The political divide has become so wide and entrenched that everything is fodder for dimwitted outrage.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Lawmwakers on Capitol Hill, entrenched in a seemingly intractable debate over health care and immigration, have struggled for nearly two weeks to pass any funding bills to turn the lights back on.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Now, with Turnpike firmly entrenched as one of the biggest and most important bands in independent country music, Miller and the Old 97’s have enjoyed several prime slots as openers for the Troubadours.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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