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
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
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
Synonyms
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
In the black-and-white image taken during the 1966-1967 school year, Banderas, now 64, is one of the only students looking up at the camera, wearing what appears to be a smirk, as his classmates appear deeply entrenched in their schoolwork.
—
Jen Juneau, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
The ensuing battle grabbed headlines for more than 10 months and entrenched the superiority of French fashion among American elites.
—Einav Rabinovitch-Fox / Made By History, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025
Disability advocates have been sounding the alarm for months as the word has once more became entrenched as a commonplace eptithet, despite their long and tireless campaign to protect the intellectually disabled from pejorative abuse.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
Corruption is the biggest threat to China’s Communist Party, President Xi Jinping said on Monday, in a clear warning that the ruling party is resolved to tackle a long-running problem that is now entrenched in many strata of Chinese society.
—Reuters, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
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Jen Juneau, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
The ensuing battle grabbed headlines for more than 10 months and entrenched the superiority of French fashion among American elites.
—Einav Rabinovitch-Fox / Made By History, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025
Disability advocates have been sounding the alarm for months as the word has once more became entrenched as a commonplace eptithet, despite their long and tireless campaign to protect the intellectually disabled from pejorative abuse.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
Corruption is the biggest threat to China’s Communist Party, President Xi Jinping said on Monday, in a clear warning that the ruling party is resolved to tackle a long-running problem that is now entrenched in many strata of Chinese society.
—Reuters, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for entrench
Dictionary Entries Near entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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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