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
Through dialogue, Reason, Rectitude, and Justice help Christine construct the physical form of the sanctuary city while arguing through allegory against the misogyny entrenched in French society and literature.
—
Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 23 Sep. 2025
While the intent here is more to showcase the fashion collection than to become a major film producer, fashion houses are becoming increasingly entrenched in the film world.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Dual-class shares and supermajority voting let management entrench itself, making true board independence a facade.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Obviously, there’s a lot of world-building that’s preceded the events that transpire here so diehard fans already deeply entrenched and well-versed on the backgrounds of these characters might have a different reaction than newbies to this dynamite film.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 23 Sep. 2025
While the intent here is more to showcase the fashion collection than to become a major film producer, fashion houses are becoming increasingly entrenched in the film world.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Dual-class shares and supermajority voting let management entrench itself, making true board independence a facade.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Obviously, there’s a lot of world-building that’s preceded the events that transpire here so diehard fans already deeply entrenched and well-versed on the backgrounds of these characters might have a different reaction than newbies to this dynamite film.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 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 30 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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