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 or upon ):

   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

Derived Forms

• enˈtrencher, noun
• enˈtrenched, adjective

Other Words From

• re·en·trench verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrench¹

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

Example Sentences

The failures “entrenched the idea that our leading theory for how supernovas explode maybe doesn’t work,” said Sean Couch, a computational astrophysicist at Michigan State University.

From Quanta Magazine

Rather, this move is good because it further entrenches the Nats as to who they are.

From Washington Post

Derek Carr, now the Las Vegas Raiders’s starter, was entrenched at quarterback.

From Washington Post

Doubling down on it now will simply further entrench an error-prone and unconstitutional system that will continue to be used unfairly against people of color.

From Washington Post

Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro has entrenched his power further after winning December’s legislative elections.

From Ozy

Will inaction lead to a more deeply entrench conflict—more violence and death—or will the problem go away on its own?

From The Daily Beast

In 1905, a group of Indians from a variety of native peoples united to entrench “tribal sovereignty” against federal power.

From The Daily Beast

The peace treaty was also a chance to distract from his interest in working to entrench Israel sovereignty over the West Bank.

From The Daily Beast

A dogmatic person will entrench himself in his dearly held beliefs and vigorously fight that truth.

From The Daily Beast

And it would entrench a mirror division between American Jews who advocate boycott and those who never could.

From The Daily Beast

You may go hence if your courage fails you outright; but I'll throw up the bridge and entrench myself within these walls.

From Project Gutenberg

He could not entrench himself behind glittering generalities another minute.

From Project Gutenberg

Without losing a single man, the Fusiliers push up a low cliff and entrench themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the Allies were not powerful enough to drive the Germans from their trenches forthwith, they, too, had to entrench.

From Project Gutenberg

But Abercrombie began to entrench, and sent most of his artillery to Albany, lest it should fall into the hands of the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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