retrench
UK/ri'trentʃ/US
GREB2
Definitions
v.
To reduce costs or spending, especially in difficult times.
削减开支，紧缩（尤指困难时期）。
v.
To reduce the size of a workforce; to lay off staff.
裁减人员，缩编。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + trench (cut) = to cut back. The same 'cut' as in trench, but aimed at budgets rather than earth. When a company retrenches, it trims spending and often jobs to survive a downturn.
Root trench still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
A formal business and economics word, rare in casual speech. In some varieties (especially South African and Indian English) 'to be retrenched' specifically means to be made redundant / laid off. Elsewhere it more often means cutting spending in general.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The firm was forced to retrench after a sharp drop in sales.
- 2.
Many companies retrench staff during a recession.
- 3.
The government plans to retrench public spending next year.