en·trench (ěn-trěnch') v.
en·trenched also in·trenched, en·trench·ing also in·trench·ing, en·trench·es also in·trench·es
v.
tr.
To provide with a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying or defending. To fix firmly or securely: "Today managed care plans are entrenched in the economy, enrolling 61 percent of the population" (Peter T. Kilborn). v.
intr.
To dig or occupy a trench. To encroach, infringe, or trespass. en·trench'ment n. |
in·trench (ĭn-trěnch') v. Variant of entrench. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History
entrench
c.1563, from
en- "make, put in" +
trench.