entrench

//ɪnˈtrɛntʃ//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of entrench

Verb

entrenchInfinitive
entrenchPresent tense
entrenchedPast tense
entrenchedPast participle
entrenchingPresent participle
entrenchesThird-person singular
1

To establish something so firmly that it is very difficult to change or remove.

These traditions have become deeply entrenched in our society.

2

To dig trenches for defensive purposes, especially in military contexts.

The soldiers entrenched themselves along the hillside to prepare for the enemy attack.

3

To encroach or trespass upon the rights, territory, or domain of another.

The new policy entrenches upon the privacy rights of citizens.