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

That is a risk that we have seen play out around the world in the 21st century with leaders in movements that come to power through democratic elections; and then, once in power, like Trojan horses, they dismantle democratic systems from within so that they are able to entrench their powers and eliminate the possibility of being removed through the democratic process.

From Slate

Ohio Ballot Board is the latest volley in a long-standing battle over a simple question: Should Ohio have a representative democracy, or should GOP lawmakers be allowed to draw wildly unrepresentative districts that permanently entrench their rule?

From Slate

“Allowing a merger like that to go through really threatens to lock in and entrench a very concentrated market structure,” Stutz told Salon.

From Salon

Others leave hospital sicker than they might have been, which campaigners say can also entrench poverty.

From BBC

"It is a broken promise to some of the most marginalised communities in our country and will only entrench the state-sanctioned poverty that people seeking asylum are forced into," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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