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

As the world waits to see how the return of Donald Trump will reshape relations between Washington and Beijing, China has just taken decisive action to entrench its position in Latin America.

From BBC

This difference is despite seven decades of affirmative action, India's caste system - a four-fold hierarchy of the Hindu religion - remains deeply entrenched.

From BBC

When he transferred to USC this past January, he stepped into a locker room that already had an entrenched leader at quarterback in Miller Moss.

From Los Angeles Times

"And partly because it's entrenched and it's something they've always done."

From BBC

All of this is not to say that Black reformers rejected the idea of staging a political revolution when necessary to abolish entrenched systemic evils.

From Salon

Related Words

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