Intrench: meaning, definitions and examples

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intrench

 

[ ɪnˈtrɛnʧ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military term

To intrench means to place oneself in a strong defensive position, typically by digging trenches or fortifications. It can also refer to establishing a stronghold that is difficult to penetrate or overcome.

Synonyms

entrench, fortify, secure.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers intrenched themselves against the advancing enemy.
  • During the siege, the troops were intrenched in a fortified position.
  • They decided to intrench their defenses before the battle began.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative usage

To intrench can also refer to deeply establishing beliefs, practices, or behaviors within a group or society, making them resistant to change or outside influence.

Synonyms

embed, establish, root.

Examples of usage

  • The company's culture was intrenched, making it hard to implement new changes.
  • Traditional values can intrench themselves in a community over generations.
  • Once a habit is intrenched, it becomes difficult to alter.

Translations

Translations of the word "intrench" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entranchear

🇮🇳 गहराई में खुदाई करना

🇩🇪 einrichten

🇮🇩 menggali

🇺🇦 вкопувати

🇵🇱 wkopać

🇯🇵 掘り下げる

🇫🇷 enterrer

🇪🇸 enterrar

🇹🇷 içeri gömmek

🇰🇷 파내다

🇸🇦 دفن

🇨🇿 zakoopat

🇸🇰 zakopať

🇨🇳 挖掘

🇸🇮 vkopati

🇮🇸 grafa

🇰🇿 қазу

🇬🇪 მოთხრილი

🇦🇿 dərinləşdirmək

🇲🇽 enterrar

Etymology

The word 'intrench' dates back to the early 17th century and is derived from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'into' and 'trench', which comes from the Old French word 'trencher', meaning to cut or to divide. The military context stems from the necessity of creating defensive positions during warfare, where soldiers would dig trenches to provide cover and stability in battle. Over time, the term also evolved into a metaphorical sense, indicating the establishment of ideas or practices that become so entrenched that they are resistant to change. Its usage has been recorded in literature addressing both physical and figurative concepts, reflecting its dual applicability in both warfare and social dynamics.