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.

He is contesting in what's become a key race between Nepal's entrenched political establishment and a new generation of politicians.

From BBC

Upon his death, many observers expected greater power for the Revolutionary Guards, which are deeply entrenched in the Iranian economy.

From Barron's

After years of elevated inflation, another price hike at the pump risks reinforcing the perception that price pressures are becoming entrenched.

From Barron's

The testosterone-based view of Ab Ex is entrenched, but recent scholarship has focused attention elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mainframes are “deeply entrenched” across industries, he added.

From MarketWatch

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