Primarily a military term for a defensive trench or dugout used by soldiers. Can also refer to any deep ditch or excavation for protection.
During World War I, soldiers lived in trenches for long periods.
They dug a trench to protect themselves from enemy attacks.
trench warfare
trench fever
Standard kanji spelling for 'trench' or 'dugout' in military contexts.
Kana spelling is sometimes used for clarity or in informal writing.
Compound of 塹 (zan, 'moat, ditch') and 壕 (gō, 'trench, dugout'). Both kanji carry similar meanings, reinforcing the idea of a defensive excavation.