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to trench

to trench

6.5
To cut deep into a surface to make patterns or letters
  • verb
  • /trɛnʧ/
translation icon : tallar
  • The workers began to trench a deep channel for the new drainage system.

Examples

  • They emerged at the beginning of a wider tunnel, this one trenched down its middle so that there were stone walkways to either side of where the sewer water flowed.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • So trenching is common ion bombardment damage.

  • And that we base on trenching, we base on base it on very fine measurements of the crust moving.

  • They used a special tool to trench the wood, creating intricate designs.

  • The river is trenching the landscape, carving out a path through the valley.

Synonyms

to slit
vsto trench
100 2.8

To make a long narrow cut in something

is about deep carving into a surface not just thin openings
to burrow
vsto trench
38 4.0

To move through something by digging a hole or tunnel

is about deliberate deep carving into surfaces not animal digging behaviour
to tunnel
vsto trench
23 3.5

To dig a passage under something

focuses on cutting deeply into a surface rather than making long passages
to chase
vsto trench
  • Specialized
17 9.1

To cut a narrow groove into a wall or other surface

is about deep cutting generally not only decorative or embedding work
to rout
vsto trench
  • Specialized
8 8.9

Cut a groove in wood or stone with a tool

is general deep carving not tied to a specific power tool
to incise
vsto trench
7 7.9

To cut into a surface with a sharp tool

is a broader deep carving not limited to precise sharp tool work
to gouge out
vsto trench
5 7.4

To make a deep cut or groove in a surface by scraping

is deep cutting without the strong scraping or forceful removal aspect
to gash
vsto trench
5 4.2

To cut something deeply, often by accident

is a deliberate deep carving action rather than accidental damage
to cut into
vsto trench
3 4.5

To loosen and move soil with a tool like a spade

is about deep carving into surfaces not only earth loosening or turning
to dig a trench
vsto trench
2 3.5

To make a long narrow hole in the ground for pipes or to carry water away

is any deep carving into surfaces not only ground excavations
to ditch
vsto trench
2 3.4

To dig a long, narrow trench to carry water away

is deep carving for many purposes not only water drainage
to groove
vsto trench
2 5.1

To make a long narrow cut or channel in a surface

is about cutting deeply into a surface rather than shallow channels
to furrow
vsto trench
1 6.0

To make a long narrow cut in the ground

is deeper carving generally and not limited to long grooves
to rut
vsto trench
1 7.5

To make a long narrow groove in the ground

is a single deep carved cut not mainly caused by repeated wear
to downcut
vsto trench
  • Specialized
8.3

To cut downward into the land by a river or stream to make a deeper channel

is a deliberate carving action not primarily caused by natural erosion

Phrasal Verbs

To make a long narrow hole in the ground for pipes or to carry water away

Compounds

22 3.1

A long waterproof coat with a belt and deep pockets, often worn in a military style

trench warfare
  • Specialized
2 6.5

A way of fighting where soldiers attack, defend, and live in long trenches facing each other

trench foot
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A foot problem from long cold, wet exposure that causes pain, swelling, and numbness

trench mouth
  • Specialized
1 9.3

A very painful gum infection that causes mouth sores, bleeding and bad breath

A long slow struggle where neither side can win or make much progress

trench knife
  • Archaic
1 9.0

A knife with two sharp edges made for close fighting in trenches

A deep part of the Pacific Ocean floor between New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

8.2

A narrow trench that lets soldiers move safely from the back to the front lines

approach trench
  • Specialized
8.9

A narrow trench that lets soldiers move from rear to front safely

A long, very deep valley in the Pacific Ocean floor off the coast of Chile

fire trench
  • Specialized
8.9

A long narrow trench that soldiers use to shelter while shooting at the enemy

A very deep part of the Pacific Ocean northeast of Japan about 9,000 meters deep

A very deep part of the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico and Haiti

A very deep valley on the Pacific Ocean floor near Peru and Chile

trench fever
  • Specialized
8.1

A disease causing fever, headaches, and muscle pain spread by lice

trench mortar
  • Archaic
8.7

A short gun that fires shells high into the air over short distances in trench fighting

slit trench
  • Specialized
8.6

A narrow ditch in the ground soldiers use for shelter from enemy fire

How Deep

to gouge
20 7.2
to trench
6.5
to cut
1.0
to groove
2 5.1

Surface Forms

trench infinitive
trenched past
trenched past participle
trenching present participle
trenches third person singular

Etymology

Trench comes from the French verb trancher 'to cut', so to trench a surface is like cutting deep lines into stone or wax. That's why the verb can mean to carve or cut deeply.