entrench

[ en-trench ]
/ ɛnˈtrɛntʃ /

verb (used with object)

to place in a position of strength; establish firmly or solidly: safely entrenched behind undeniable facts.
to dig trenches for defensive purposes around (oneself, a military position, etc.).

verb (used without object)

to encroach; trespass; infringe (usually followed by on or upon): to entrench on the domain or rights of another.
Also intrench.

Origin of entrench

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

OTHER WORDS FROM entrench

re·en·trench, verb un·en·trenched, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for entrench

British Dictionary definitions for entrench

entrench

intrench

/ (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

Derived forms of entrench

entrenched or intrenched, adjective entrencher or intrencher, noun