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
The initiative aims to foster pathways for diverse performers and professionals to entrench themselves more deeply in Nashville's mainstream country industry.
—
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Now entrenched in a potential 14-billion-euro hostile takeover, BBVA has decided to keep its bid alive despite a recent condition from the Spanish government that the takeover may only proceed if the two banks do not integrate their operations for at least three years.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 2 July 2025
Despite facing zero charges from the feds alongside Combs, testimony at the lower Manhattan federal courthouse indicates Khorram was deeply entrenched in many of the allegations discussed at trial.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
With no prohibition on conquest, national borders shifted regularly through violence, and empires expanded by force, entrenching global inequalities.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Now entrenched in a potential 14-billion-euro hostile takeover, BBVA has decided to keep its bid alive despite a recent condition from the Spanish government that the takeover may only proceed if the two banks do not integrate their operations for at least three years.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 2 July 2025
Despite facing zero charges from the feds alongside Combs, testimony at the lower Manhattan federal courthouse indicates Khorram was deeply entrenched in many of the allegations discussed at trial.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
With no prohibition on conquest, national borders shifted regularly through violence, and empires expanded by force, entrenching global inequalities.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 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 9 Jul. 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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