retrench
rih-TRENCH
/rɪˈtrɛntʃ/
To reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty; to cut down or reduce the number of employees.
Primarily used in a business or governmental context, implying a strategic reduction of expenses or personnel, often due to financial strain. It's a more formal and significant action than simply 'economizing.'
The story behind the word. The word 'retrench' comes from the Old French 'retrenchier,' which literally meant 'to cut back' or 'to cut again.' The 'trench' part comes from 'trencher,' meaning 'to cut.' So, when a company or government retrenches, it's literally 'cutting back' on expenses or staff, often in a painful way. It's a vivid image of making deep cuts to survive.
Word relationships
- cut back: To reduce the amount or quantity of something, often informally; 'retrench' is more formal and implies a strategic, often difficult, reduction.
- downsize: To make (a company or organization) smaller by reducing the number of employees; often specifically refers to personnel.
- economize: To spend less; 'retrench' implies a more significant and often painful reduction, especially in an organizational context.
- expand: To become or make larger or more extensive.
- grow: To increase in size, amount, or intensity.
- invest: To put money into financial schemes, shares, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.
Commonly confused with
- economize: 'Retrench' implies a more significant, often painful, and strategic reduction of costs or personnel, typically in a business or governmental context. 'Economize' is a more general term for reducing expenses, applicable to individuals or organizations, and can be less severe.
Word family
- retrenchment (noun): The reduction of costs or spending in response to economic difficulty.
Collocations
- retrench spending
- retrench staff
- retrench operations
- retrenchment program
Example sentences
- "Facing declining profits, the corporation decided to retrench by closing several unprofitable divisions and laying off staff." A company's response to financial losses.
- "The city council voted to retrench public services, including library hours and community programs, to balance the budget." Government budget cuts.
- "After the market crash, many families had to retrench their spending dramatically, postponing major purchases." An individual's difficult financial decision.
Memory hook
To RETRENCH, you must CUT a TRENCH in your spending. CUT a TRENCH
When not to use
Do not use 'retrench' for minor, personal cost-cutting. It implies a more substantial, often difficult, organizational decision.
Fun facts
- The military term 'retrenchment' refers to a defensive work or fortification that cuts off an enemy's advance, reinforcing the idea of cutting back or reducing exposure.
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