entrench

[ en-trench ]

/ ɛnˈtrɛntʃ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR entrench ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to place in a position of strength; establish firmly or solidly: safely entrenched behind undeniable facts.

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

verb (used without object)

to encroach; trespass; infringe (usually followed by on or upon): to entrench on the domain or rights of another.

Nearby words

Also intrench.

Origin of entrench

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

SYNONYMS FOR entrench

1. settle, ensconce, set, implant, embed.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR entrench ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsre·en·trench, verbun·en·trenched, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for entrench

In 1905, a group of Indians from a variety of native peoples united to entrench “tribal sovereignty” against federal power.
One U.S. Constitution Just Wasn’t Enough|Tom Arnold-Forster|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The peace treaty was also a chance to distract from his interest in working to entrench Israel sovereignty over the West Bank.
Rubio Needs A Lesson In Peace Process History|Brent E. Sasley|February 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A dogmatic person will entrench himself in his dearly held beliefs and vigorously fight that truth.
Republicans: Check Your Premises||November 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
That means, as Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently noted, that a military strike will likely entrench Iranian tyranny.
The Right's Democracy Hypocrisy|Peter Beinart|December 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Better get back to the fo'c's'le, Jemmy, and entrench yourself.
The Blue Pavilions|Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
Warren and Sedgwick began to entrench themselves when they realized that Ewell had effectively blocked their progress.
The Civil War Through the Camera|Henry W. (Henry William) Elson
The convicts might entrench themselves at that point, and defend it.
In Search of the Castaways|Jules Verne
Hence, when they became enemies, they could entrench themselves in positions which were almost impenetrable.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India|Edgar Thurston
But we will entrench and defend ourselves till your return.'
Our Home in the Silver West|Gordon Stables

British Dictionary definitions for entrench

entrench

intrench

/ (ɪnˈtrɛntʃ) /

verb

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

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

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

Derived Formsentrenched or intrenched, adjectiveentrencher or intrencher, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for entrench