intrench

verb

in·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce intrench (audio)

less common spelling of entrench

transitive verb

1
a
: to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense
… Allied troops entrenched themselves on the Normandy beach …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
c
: to establish solidly
entrenched themselves in the business
… social reforms which the government is trying to entrench.Michelle Grattan
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
entrench upon a person's rights

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrench. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!