retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1

a

: cut down, reduce

b

: to cut out : excise

2

: to pare away : remove

intransitive verb

: to make retrenchments

specifically : economize

Choose the Right Synonym for retrench

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent.

shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result.

the abridged version of the novel

retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

Examples of retrench in a Sentence

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some expected it, especially after many US companies retrenched on DEI efforts amid pushback from conservative activists. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 18 Oct. 2024

A number of retail chains that have been trying to move into primary care have been retrenching or withdrawing altogether. —Timothy Hoff, Harvard Business Review, 10 Oct. 2024

Economists are also watching wage growth, which has been slowing, as well as credit card and auto delinquencies, which have been rising, as early signs that consumers may retrench later this year. —Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024

If the United States retrenched, the world would surely see more such behavior, not less. —Jonathan B. Petkun, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

1

: lessen, reduce

2

: to reduce expenses

retrenchment

-mənt

noun