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
Gerrymandering reduces electoral competition, entrenches incumbents and marginalizes whole communities, ultimately eroding public trust in democracy.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
These include companies with a competitive moat, have strong branding and proprietary data, and are deeply entrenched within their industries.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
Skepticism remains entrenched within the bloc about admitting new members, including any move to fast-track the process for Ukraine.
—Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
These surveillance tech partnerships are becoming entrenched, domestically and abroad, as advances in AI take surveillance to unprecedented levels.
—Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
These include companies with a competitive moat, have strong branding and proprietary data, and are deeply entrenched within their industries.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
Skepticism remains entrenched within the bloc about admitting new members, including any move to fast-track the process for Ukraine.
—Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
These surveillance tech partnerships are becoming entrenched, domestically and abroad, as advances in AI take surveillance to unprecedented levels.
—Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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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