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retrench

verb re·trench \ ri-ˈtrench \
|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of retrench

retrenched; retrenching; retrenches
transitive verb
1 a : cut down, reduce
b : to cut out : excise
2 : to pare away : remove
intransitive verb
: to make retrenchments; specifically : economize

See retrench defined for English-language learners

See retrench defined for kids

Examples of retrench in a Sentence

  1. When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

Recent Examples of retrench from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retrench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of retrench

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

Synonym Discussion of retrench

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent. shorten implies reduction in length or duration.
    • shorten a speech
curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.
    • ceremonies curtailed because of rain
abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.
    • using an abbreviated title
abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result.
    • the abridged version of the novel
retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.
    • declining business forced the company to retrench

RETRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

retrench

verb

Definition of retrench for English Language Learners

  • : to change the way things are done in order to spend less money

Learn More about retrench

  1. See words that rhyme with retrench Nglish: Translation of retrench for Spanish speakers

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