entrenchment

[ en-trench-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of entrenching.
2. an entrenched position.
3. Usually entrenchments. an earth breastwork or ditch for protection against enemy fire.

entrenchment

/ ɪnˈtrɛntʃmənt /

noun

1. the act of entrenching or state of being entrenched
2. a position protected by trenches
3. one of a series of deep trenches constructed as a shelter from gunfire

Other Words From

• reen·trenchment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrenchment¹

First recorded in 1580–90; entrench + -ment

Example Sentences

Iran’s military presence in Syria has been a major concern for Israel, which has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment along its northern border.

From Seattle Times

The Russians finally lost Lodz in December, but they could not be ousted from their entrenchments around Warsaw.

From Literature

“There is plenty of middle ground. There is plenty of opportunity. What we are battling is entrenchment,” Albritton said.

From Seattle Times

The constitutional entrenchment of slavery also allowed Marshall to buy and sell slaves.

From Salon

“But vote dilution only becomes a constitutional injury when it rises to the level of effectuating that entrenchment, and there just was not evidence of that here.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aggression
• assault
• breach
• incursion
• infiltration
• infringement
• intrusion
• offensive
• onslaught
• raid
• violation