entrench

verb

en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly intrench
entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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
entrenchment noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entrench was in 1548

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Cite this Entry

“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

entrench

verb
en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on entrench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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