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
And second, the core services ex-shelter inflation measure is often used to gauge something called cost-push inflation, which is driven by wage or wealth increases, and can signal rising prices have become entrenched in the economy.
—
Will Daniel, Fortune, 23 May 2024
He’s quickly entrenched himself into the Hornets’ fabric, becoming synonymous with franchise and transforming into one of the core pieces.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench 
Will Daniel, Fortune, 23 May 2024
He’s quickly entrenched himself into the Hornets’ fabric, becoming synonymous with franchise and transforming into one of the core pieces.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for entrench
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entrench.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near entrench
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share