entrenchment

noun

en·​trench·​ment

variants or less commonly intrenchment

-chmənt

plural -s

1

a

: the act of entrenching

used this delay for the entrenchment of the town

b

: the condition of being entrenched

2

a

: a defensive work consisting of a trench and a parapet

b

: any defense or protection

municipal government is usually regarded as one of the great entrenchments of democracy

—R. M. Dawson

3

obsolete : encroachment, infringement

4

a

: the process whereby streams become incised, ingrown, or entrenched

b

: the results of this process

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Kids Definition

entrenchment

noun

en·​trench·​ment

in-ˈtrench-mənt

1

: the act of entrenching : the state of being entrenched

2

: defense sense 3a

especially : a defensive work consisting of a trench and a wall of earth