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

Derived Forms

• reˈtrenchable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·trencha·ble adjective
• re·trencher noun
• unre·trencha·ble adjective
• unre·trenched 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

Some companies are opening for fewer hours, and retrenching staff.

From BBC

The airline will end service at several cities in a move to retrench and focus on stronger markets after years of losing money.

From Seattle Times

But the Russian military, instead of collapsing, retrenched and blunted Ukraine’s counteroffensive this year.

From Seattle Times

The Padres would never admit to retrenching, but trading Soto and two-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder Trent Grisham to the Yankees on Wednesday night for five players became almost a necessity.

From Los Angeles Times

"Consumers are likely to begin to retrench given a fading liquidity buffer, high rates across a range of consumer loan products, tightening lending standards, and rising delinquencies."

From Reuters

Related Words

• conserve
• curtail
• cut down