trench definition

1. a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth
2. a long steep-sided depression in the ocean floor
3. any long ditch cut in the ground
4. fortify by surrounding with trenches
• examples: He trenched his military camp
5. cut or carve deeply into
• examples: letters trenched into the stone
6. set, plant, or bury in a trench
• examples: trench the fallen soldiers
• examples: trench the vegetables
7. cut a trench in, as for drainage
• examples: ditch the land to drain it
• examples: trench the fields
8. dig a trench or trenches
• examples: The National Guardsmen were sent out to trench