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
The digital dirham likely further entrenches the US dollar’s dominance, because the UAE’s currency is pegged to the greenback, but gives US regulators less oversight over financial flows.
—
Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
That smile is entrenched on Mann’s face these days and knocking it off is virtually impossible.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Now, 13 years later, the couple have two children, Quincy and August, and careers that are both entrenched in Black culture.
—Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
People seeking care may become targets of surveillance; entrenching existing patterns where disability, neurodivergence and poverty are not only criminalized— but now automated and scaled.
—Kate Caldwell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
That smile is entrenched on Mann’s face these days and knocking it off is virtually impossible.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Now, 13 years later, the couple have two children, Quincy and August, and careers that are both entrenched in Black culture.
—Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
People seeking care may become targets of surveillance; entrenching existing patterns where disability, neurodivergence and poverty are not only criminalized— but now automated and scaled.
—Kate Caldwell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 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 8 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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