entrench

Verb

Verb Forms: entrenched, entrenching, entrenches

• To establish an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly it's hard to change.
• fix firmly or securely
• impinge or infringe upon
  • "This matter entrenches on other domains"
• occupy a trench or secured area
• To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon.
• To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon.
• To dig or excavate a trench; to trench.
• To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon.
• To surround or provide with a trench, especially for defense; to dig in.
• 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.

Examples

• Her habit of hoarding high-point letters was deeply entrenched, despite consistent losses.
• Senator Cornpone was able to entrench by spending millions on each campaign.
• The army entrenched its camp, or entrenched itself.

Synonyms

dig in, encroach, impinge, intrench, trench, consolidate