v.
Pronunciation: in- ' trench, en-
Variant: also in · trench \ in- \
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1548
1 a : to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense b : to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position c : to establish solidly < entrench ed themselves in the business>
2 : to cut into : FURROW specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trench
intransitive verb
1 : to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes
2 : to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully : ENCROACH ― used with on or upon
– en · trench · ment \ -m ə nt \ noun