entrenchment

[en-trench-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of entrenching.

2. an entrenched position.

3. Usually entrenchments. an earth breastwork or ditch for protection against enemy fire.

entrenchment

/ ɪnˈtrɛntʃmənt /

noun

1. the act of entrenching or state of being entrenched

2. a position protected by trenches

3. one of a series of deep trenches constructed as a shelter from gunfire

Other Word Forms

• reentrenchment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrenchment¹

First recorded in 1580–90; entrench + -ment

Example Sentences

To me, the impulse to shut down the other side, combined with the “change my mind approach” to debate, has only exacerbated political polarization and entrenchment.

Read more on Salon

Israel, concerned by what it calls Iran's "military entrenchment" in Syria, has launched air strikes against Syria's military.

Read more on BBC

Iran’s military presence in Syria has been a major concern for Israel, which has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment along its northern border.

Read more on Seattle Times

From their entrenchments along the Aisne River, the Germans had advanced northward toward the French ports of Dunkirk and Calais on the English Channel.

Read more on Literature

“There is plenty of middle ground. There is plenty of opportunity. What we are battling is entrenchment,” Albritton said.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• aggression 
• assault 
• breach 
• incursion 
• infiltration 
• infringement 
• intrusion 
• offensive 
• onslaught 
• raid 
• violation