entrench

[ en-trench ]
See synonyms for entrench on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to place in a position of strength; establish firmly or solidly: safely entrenched behind undeniable facts.

  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.

Origin of entrench

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

Other words for entrench

Other words from entrench

  • re·en·trench, verb

Words Nearby entrench

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use entrench in a sentence

  • You may go hence if your courage fails you outright; but I'll throw up the bridge and entrench myself within these walls.

    St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
  • He could not entrench himself behind glittering generalities another minute.

    The Amazing Inheritance | Frances R. Sterrett
  • Without losing a single man, the Fusiliers push up a low cliff and entrench themselves.

  • Since the Allies were not powerful enough to drive the Germans from their trenches forthwith, they, too, had to entrench.

  • But Abercrombie began to entrench, and sent most of his artillery to Albany, lest it should fall into the hands of the enemy.

    Ben Comee | M. J. (Michael Joseph) Canavan

British Dictionary definitions for entrench

entrench

intrench

/ (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

  1. (intr; foll by on or upon) to trespass or encroach; infringe

Derived forms of entrench

  • entrenched or intrenched, adjective
  • entrencher or intrencher, noun

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