entrench

American  

[en-trench] / ɛnˈtrɛntʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to place in a position of strength; establish firmly or solidly.

   safely entrenched behind undeniable facts.

   Synonyms:

   embed, implant, set, ensconce, settle

2. to dig trenches for defensive purposes around (oneself, a military position, etc.).

---

verb (used without object)

1. to encroach; trespass; infringe (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to entrench on the domain or rights of another.

entrench British  

/ ɪnˈtrɛntʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to construct (a defensive position) by digging trenches around it

2. (tr) to fix or establish firmly, esp so as to prevent removal or change

3. (intr; foll by on or upon) to trespass or encroach; infringe

---

Other Word Forms

• entrenched
  adjective
• entrencher
  noun
• reentrench
  verb

Etymology

Origin of entrench

First recorded in 1545–55; en- ¹ + trench

Explanation

To entrench is to secure something firmly. Entrench a tent pole in the ground so your tent doesn't fly away, or entrench yourself at your new job so you don’t get fired. Dig a little and see that entrench is from en meaning “in” and trench is from the Old French word trenche for "ditch,” just like the kind soldiers hide in. You don’t have to be a soldier to entrench, though — anytime a person or thing is securely inside something, it’s entrenched. If you entrench a swing set in your yard, it's solid. If a government entrenches a spy in another country, that spy blends right in.

Example Sentences

Entrench yourself behind your blocks of marble, so that we may grant you peace on favorable terms.

From In Paradise A Novel. Vol. I. by Heyse, Paul

Entrench, en-trensh′, Intrench, in-, v.t. to dig a trench around: to fortify with a ditch and parapet.—v.i. to encroach.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• define
• embed
• ensconce
• fortify
• ingrain
• strengthen