entrench

verb

en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly intrench
entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches

transitive verb

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

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
entrenchment noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every day further entrenches AI as a tool of anti-women rhetoric. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 Wonder has long been politically and socially animated, entrenching social messages in his music since the ’70s, helping spearhead the 1983 campaign to turn King’s birthday into a federal holiday, and prominently campaigning for President Barack Obama and others. Brian McCollum, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Also Read The Weeknd Reveals Film ‘Extension’ Of New LP, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Jones became further entrenched in the business side of the industry after being named VP of Mercury Records, the highest major-label position for an African-American person to date. Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Nov. 2024 The second half of Eastwood’s Iwo Jima diptych considers the battle from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers who entrenched themselves in tunnels and fought to the death against the invading force. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entrench 

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entrench was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near entrench

Cite this Entry

“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

entrench

verb
en·​trench in-ˈtrench How to pronounce entrench (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on entrench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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