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

The United States must maintain concerted pressure on Russia while also offering incentives for Moscow to retrench. —Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024

Hamas would use the quieting of the fighting to retrench and rearm, extending the war instead of ending it. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2024

But other major tech players have retrenched amid industrywide layoffs. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024

Like other Silicon Valley giants retrenching amid financial uncertainty, Google has cut thousands of jobs since January 2023. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 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