If something such as power, a custom, or an idea is entrenched, it is firmly established, so that it would be difficult to change it. a series of measures designed to entrench democracy and the rule of law These dictators have entrenched themselves politically and are difficult to move. + entrenched en·trenched The recession remains deeply entrenched
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; as, the king was charged with intrenching on the rights of the nobles, and the nobles were accused of intrenching on the prerogative of the crown
To surround with a trench or with intrenchments, as in fortification; to fortify with a ditch and parapet; as, the army intrenched their camp, or intrenched itself