Retrench

Verb

Definition: To reduce costs or spending, especially in response to economic difficulty.

Synonyms: Cut back, Economize, Tighten one's belt

Antonyms: Expand, Increase, Spend lavishly

Examples:

The company had to retrench its workforce to survive the recession.
In order to retrench expenses, she started shopping at thrift stores.

Mnemonics:

"Retrench" sounds like "re-trench", indicating the necessity to redraw the boundaries of spending and expenses.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Old French 'retrenchier', based on trenchier 'cut', from an alteration of Latin 'truncare' (to lop).

Historical Usage:

The term originated in French and was adapted into English in the late Middle English period. It has been used ever since with the same general meaning of reducing or cutting back.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Retrench one's lifestyle"

Explanation:

Refers to making significant reductions in one's lifestyle and expenses in order to cope with financial difficulties or economic downturns.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "retrench" with "entrench".

Explanation:

"Retrench" and "entrench" are different words with distinct meanings. While "retrench" means to reduce costs or spending, "entrench" means to establish something firmly or deeply.