entrench

== English == === Alternative forms === intrench (archaic) === Etymology === From en- +‎ trench. First attested in the 1550s. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ɪnˈtɹɛnt͡ʃ/, /ɛnˈtɹɛnt͡ʃ/ (General American, Canada) IPA(key): /ɛnˈtɹɛnt͡ʃ/ (US, pin–pen merger) IPA(key): /ɪnˈtɹɪnt͡ʃ/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ɪnˈtɹent͡ʃ/ (New Zealand) IPA(key): /ənˈtɹent͡ʃ/ Rhymes: -ɛntʃ Hyphenation: en‧trench === Verb === entrench (third-person singular simple present entrenches, present participle entrenching, simple past and past participle entrenched) (ambitransitive) (literally) To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon. (construction, archaeology) To dig or excavate a trench; to trench. (military) To surround or provide with a trench, especially for defense; to dig in. (figuratively) [from 1590s] To become completely absorbed in and fully accept one's beliefs, even in the face of evidence against it and refusing to be reasoned with. To establish a substantial position in business, politics, etc. 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. ==== Synonyms ==== (dig): trench (surround with a trench): dig in (establish a solid, firm financial position): consolidate ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====