entrenching

Verb

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

1. (ambitransitive, literally) To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon.
   • It was this very sword entrenched it.c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
   1. (ambitransitive, literally) To dig or excavate a trench; to trench.
   2. (ambitransitive, literally) To surround or provide with a trench, especially for defense; to dig in.
      • The army entrenched its camp, or entrenched itself.
2. (ambitransitive, figuratively) 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.
3. (ambitransitive, figuratively) To establish a substantial position in business, politics, etc.
   • Senator Cornpone was able to entrench by spending millions on each campaign.

   Synonyms:

   consolidate

4. (ambitransitive, figuratively) 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.