verb
or in·trench ə̇n.ˈtrench, en.-
Etymology: en- (I) or in- (II) + trench (n.)
transitive verb
1.
a. : to place within or surround with a trench especially for defensive purposes
the enemy entrenched himself strongly along the river
entrench a town
b. : to place (oneself) in any position that has strong military defensive advantages
the settlers entrenched themselves behind a high stout stockade
an enemy platoon entrenched itself in a half-destroyed factory
c. : to establish so solidly or strongly as to make dislodgment or change extremely difficult : confirm
entrenching a practice
: implant firmly : strengthen
the landed interest entrenched itself on the steps of the throne — Ernest Barker
Caucasian contacts gave the Indians more comforts, but also entrenched them more firmly as hunters — A.L.Kroeber
the presence of Louisiana pirates … probably entrenched the term bayou in the Texas gulf area — R.C.West
this thought is … firmly entrenched in the minds of many — Louis Tuft
an entrenched habit
2. : to cut into : furrow ; specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trench
intransitive verb
1. : to dig a trench for defensive purposes : place oneself in a trench
the platoon entrenched and awaited the enemy attack
2. : to encroach upon or take possession of something reserved for other use or belonging to another person : trespass — used with on or upon
it does not appear that he entrenched upon his own or his mother's private fortune — John Buchan
Synonyms: see trespass