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.).

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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

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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

“If people see it as part of a broader pattern it is likely that inflation expectations will rise and that could entrench high inflation in the economy,” he warned.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

"We didn't let the enemy entrench in the grey zone and we stopped their storm groups," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Questioning how Netflix competes with rivals suggests the department is looking at whether its planned Warner deal could entrench its market power, or lead to a monopoly in the future.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Venezuela’s long absence from Western markets helped entrench Canadian heavy crude as the dominant supplier to U.S. refineries configured for heavy barrels.

From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026

Grant had been criticized for not entrenching at Pittsburg Landing; Halleck, it seemed, was determined to entrench himself all the way from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth.

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

Related Words

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