entrench

en·trench | \ in-ˈtrench

How to pronounce entrench (audio)

, en-\

variants: or less commonly intrench \ in-ˈtrench

How to pronounce intrench (audio)

\

entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

Definition of entrench

transitive verb

1a : 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

Other Words from entrench Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about entrench

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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 By comparison, cashless payments grew about 10% in the UK, a developed market where card transactions are already entrenched. — John Detrixhe, Quartz India, "Cashless payments are growing faster in India than just about anywhere else," 12 Nov. 2019 Chubb, however, is off to an incredible start and is fully entrenched as the Browns’ featured back. — Dan Labbe, cleveland, "Browns debut new backfield duo and find a willing blocker in Kareem Hunt," 11 Nov. 2019 With Carlo Kemp entrenched as the team's No. 1 interior lineman, that has meant fewer snaps for Dwumfour. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football stock watch: Josh Uche thriving, Hassan Haskins the new No. 1 RB?," 3 Nov. 2019 Another camp battle has been for the nickel CB spot (Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers are entrenched outside). — Albert Breer, SI.com, "What We Have Learned So Far From NFC West Training Camps," 13 Aug. 2019 In Springer's absence, Derek Fisher has assumed most of the leadoff responsibilities while Jake Marisnick is entrenched as an everyday outfielder. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros' George Springer works to get back to full speed," 5 June 2019 For people already entrenched in Fitbit's data ecosystem, the Versa 2 is the best device for counting steps, rating their sleep, and competing with friends who also use the company's other trackers and watches. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Fitbit Versa 2 Review: With Alexa and an Always-on Display, Fitness Tracking Gets Smarter," 13 Sep. 2019 The evil of the Republican Party’s position on climate science is well known, but denial is entrenched in progressive politics, too, or at least in its rhetoric. — Jonathan Franzen, The New Yorker, "What If We Stopped Pretending?," 8 Sep. 2019 Madden retired from broadcasting in 2009, after three decades, though his name is entrenched in American pop culture through the best-selling EA Sports video game that bears his name. — SI.com, "A History of Football in 100 Objects," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'entrench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near entrench

entrenched meander

Statistics for entrench

Last Updated

15 Nov 2019

Time Traveler for entrench

The first known use of entrench was in 1548

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