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
This dangerous precedent should alarm anyone who believes the rule of law must serve justice rather than entrench systemic inequality.
—
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
With Austin Wells entrenched as the Yankees’ starting catcher, J.C Escarra has been working as the backup.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
Interrupting the patterns in which my romances were entrenched might lead to better relationships in the future, an outcome that also served me.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
He was pressed into playing a new position with a new team because Gleyber Torres was entrenched at second base.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
With Austin Wells entrenched as the Yankees’ starting catcher, J.C Escarra has been working as the backup.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
Interrupting the patterns in which my romances were entrenched might lead to better relationships in the future, an outcome that also served me.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
He was pressed into playing a new position with a new team because Gleyber Torres was entrenched at second base.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 4 June 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 15 Jun. 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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