entrench

[en-trench]

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

/ 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

• reentrench verb
• entrencher noun
• entrenched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrench¹

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

Example Sentences

But all agree it is complex, entrenched, and still costing young lives.

Read more on BBC

She urged people to seek advice as soon as possible and said the cases she was seeing were becoming "more entrenched or more serious".

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Bondi accused Newsom of attempting "to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians" by pushing the new congressional district boundaries.

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“Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”

Read more on Salon

He vowed to institute reforms and clean up deeply entrenched corruption and cronyism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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