First Known Use: 1596
Dictionary
retrench
verb re·trench \ri-ˈtrench\
: to change the way things are done in order to spend less money
Full Definition of RETRENCH
transitive verb
2
: to pare away : remove
intransitive verb
: to make retrenchments; specifically : economize
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Origin of RETRENCH
obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with RETRENCH
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