Meaning of retrench in English

1. Pronunciation

   /rəˈtrɛn(t)ʃ/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   retrench

   Etymology

   late 16th century (in the now formal usage): from obsolete French retrencher, variant of retrancher, from re- (expressing reversal) + trancher‘to cut, slice’

   Definitions

   1. tighten one's belt

   Examples

   • « use resources carefully »
2. 2. make a reduction, as in one's workforce

   Examples

   • « The company had to retrench »