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
… Allied troops entrenched themselves on the Normandy beach …—
Andrea Stone
Andrea Stone
b
: to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position
… a ruling clique's desire to … entrench itself against shifts in public opinion.—Henry Olsen
Henry Olsen
c
: to establish solidly
entrenched themselves in the business
… social reforms which the government is trying to entrench.—Michelle Grattan
Michelle Grattan2
: 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
entrench upon a person's rights
Synonyms of entrench
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 war also served as a springboard for battlefield heroes to achieve future political power, partially through entrenching and expanding the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps -- IRGC -- in the running of the country.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Its occupation of the West Bank has entrenched a system of dispossession and daily violence, as Palestinians are killed, arrested and displaced while Israeli settlers, protected by the Israel Defense Forces and supported by the United States, expand into Palestinian land.
—Ken Barnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
The new mayor must immediately address three issues that are deeply entrenched and interconnected.
—Juan Rangel, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Just 24 years old, Volpe could still entrench himself as the Yankees’ long-term shortstop by showing some improvements, especially offensively.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Its occupation of the West Bank has entrenched a system of dispossession and daily violence, as Palestinians are killed, arrested and displaced while Israeli settlers, protected by the Israel Defense Forces and supported by the United States, expand into Palestinian land.
—Ken Barnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
The new mayor must immediately address three issues that are deeply entrenched and interconnected.
—Juan Rangel, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Just 24 years old, Volpe could still entrench himself as the Yankees’ long-term shortstop by showing some improvements, especially offensively.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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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