Synonyms

entrench

American

[en-trench] / ɛnˈtrɛntʃ /

verb (used with object)

to place in a position of strength; establish firmly or solidly.

safely entrenched behind undeniable facts.

Synonyms:

embed, implant, set, ensconce, settle
to dig trenches for defensive purposes around (oneself, a military position, etc.).

verb (used without object)

to encroach; trespass; infringe (usually followed by on orupon ).

to entrench on the domain or rights of another.

entrench British

/ ɪnˈtrɛntʃ /

verb

(tr) to construct (a defensive position) by digging trenches around it
(tr) to fix or establish firmly, esp so as to prevent removal or change
(intr; foll by on or upon) to trespass or encroach; infringe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

entrenched adjective
entrencher noun
reentrench verb

Etymology

Origin of entrench

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The leap was swift and steep—and grating on consumers already weary from years of entrenched inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This reform is unwinding 20 years of entrenched social media practices," said Inman Grant.

From Barron's

On Tuesday, the eSafety commissioner said the reform was "unwinding 20 years of entrenched social media practices".

From BBC

Speaking at the Brookings Institution on Thursday, he warned that “the longer inflation remains above 2%, the greater the risk that it becomes entrenched in expectations.”

From Barron's

“The longer inflation remains above 2%, the greater the risk that it becomes entrenched in expectations,” he said.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023