retrench

[ri-trench]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut down, reduce, or diminish; curtail (expenses).

   Synonyms: cut, abridge, decrease

2. to cut off or remove.

3. Military.,  to protect by a retrenchment.

verb (used without object)

1. to economize; reduce expenses.

   They retrenched by eliminating half of the workers.

retrench

/ rɪˈtrɛntʃ /

verb

1. to reduce or curtail (costs); economize

2. (tr) to shorten, delete, or abridge

3. (tr) to protect by a retrenchment

Other Word Forms

• retrenchable adjective
• retrencher noun
• unretrenchable adjective
• unretrenched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrench¹

1600–10; < French retrencher (obsolete variant of retrancher ), Middle French retrenchier, equivalent to re- re- + trenchier to trench

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrench¹

C17: from Old French retrenchier , from _re- + trenchier to cut, from Latin truncāre to lop; see _trench

Example Sentences

Private equity firms — which tend to be attracted to film and TV libraries because of the cash flow they generate — have retrenched a bit from their previous interest in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s the aftereffects of trying to compete at the streaming level and thinking that’s the future. Resources were put there, and now they have to retrench.”

From Los Angeles Times

But the company since has retrenched, recognizing the need to focus on creating high-quality originals that meet Disney’s once lofty standards.

From Los Angeles Times

Rickey would rather they retrench into a nostalgia tour of laughs and revelry — he’s even found the tan Chrysler LeBaron they used to ride in.

From Los Angeles Times

"If consumers retrench... the entire economy is going to go down with it," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• conserve 
• curtail 
• cut down