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Mid-16th century. en- +‎ trench



entrench (third-person singular simple present entrenches, present participle entrenching, simple past and past participle entrenched)

  1. (construction, archaeology) To dig or excavate a trench; to trench.
  2. (military) To surround or provide with a trench, especially for defense; to dig in.
    The army entrenched its camp, or entrenched itself.
  3. (figuratively) To establish a substantial position in business, politics, etc.
    • Senator Cornpone was able to entrench by spending millions on each campaign.
  4. To invade; to encroach; to infringe or trespass; to enter on, and take possession of, that which belongs to another; usually followed by on or upon.
    • John Locke
  5. To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon.
    • Shakespeare
      It was this very sword entrenched it.
    • Milton
      His face / Deep scars of thunder had entrenched.