entrench

[ en-trench ]

/ ɛnˈtrɛntʃ /

SEE 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.

Words nearby entrench

entreaty, entrechat, entrecôte, entrelac, entremets, entrench, entrenchment, entrepreneur, entrepôt, entresol, entropion

Also intrench.

Origin of entrench

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

SYNONYMS FOR entrench

1 settle, ensconce, set, implant, embed.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR entrench ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM entrench

re·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 forms of entrench

entrenched 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

entrench

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Words related to entrench

Words nearby entrench

Origin of entrench

SYNONYMS FOR entrench

OTHER WORDS FROM entrench

Examples from the Web for entrench

British Dictionary definitions for entrench

intrench

verb

Derived forms of entrench