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
Russian troops have advanced into Vovchansk in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, attempting to entrench themselves among the ruins of the city, Ukrainian officials said.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
These maroons were greatly feared by the colonial authorities and eventually entrenched themselves in fortified settlements deep in the forests.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
The Royals are expected to have Jonathan India and Michael Massey entrenched at second base in 2026.
—Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025
Cyber Monday Headphone Deals For those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem who want headphones that just work without all the fuss, the Beats Solo 4 make sense, even more so with a $50 discount.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
These maroons were greatly feared by the colonial authorities and eventually entrenched themselves in fortified settlements deep in the forests.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
The Royals are expected to have Jonathan India and Michael Massey entrenched at second base in 2026.
—Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025
Cyber Monday Headphone Deals For those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem who want headphones that just work without all the fuss, the Beats Solo 4 make sense, even more so with a $50 discount.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 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 12 Dec. 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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