entrench

English

Etymology

Mid-16th century. en- +‎ trench

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɛnˈtɹɛntʃ/
• Rhymes: -ɛntʃ

Verb

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.
3. (figuratively) To establish a substantial position in business, politics, etc.
   • Senator Cornpone was able to entrench by spending millions on each campaign.

Synonyms

• (dig): trench
• (surround with a trench): dig in
• (establish a solid, firm financial position): consolidate

Translations

dig

• Dutch: graven (nl)

surround with a trench

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 挖掘壕沟 (cmn)

• Dutch: ingraven (nl)

• Norwegian: forskanse (no)
• Portuguese: entrincheirar (pt)
• Spanish: atrincherar (es)

establish financial position

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 巩固 (cmn)

• Dutch: zich (nl) vestigen (nl)

• Norwegian: befeste (no), styrke (no)
• Spanish: atrincherar (es)