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Entrench Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
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entrench

[ษชnหˆtrษ›nสง ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social issues

To entrench means to establish something firmly and securely in a position. This often refers to ideas, beliefs, or practices that become deeply ingrained in a society or system, making them resistant to change.

Synonyms

embed, establish, firm up, secure.

Examples of usage

  • The new policy entrenched existing inequalities.
  • Cultural norms can entrench stereotypes within communities.
  • Economic structures often entrench poverty.
  • Education systems can entrench social status.
Context #2 | Verb

military

In a military context, to entrench means to dig trenches for defensive purposes. This involves creating a fortified position to protect soldiers from enemy fire.

Synonyms

barricade, defend, dig in, fortify.

Examples of usage

  • The troops entrenched themselves for the night.
  • Entrenching can provide a strategic advantage in battle.
  • Soldiers are trained to entrench quickly in combat.
  • They entrenched their position against the advancing forces.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • During World War I, trenches became a significant part of warfare, symbolizing defense and the entrenchment of military tactics.
  • The knowledge of trench warfare significantly changed military strategy and was used extensively during Battlefield engagements.
  • Trenches provided soldiers with protection and created a sense of permanence in war zones.

Sociology

  • The concept of entrenchment is often used to describe social norms or practices that are resistant to change within a community.
  • Entrenched beliefs can be difficult to challenge, showcasing how views can become rigid over time.
  • Stereotypes and biases often become entrenched, making them hard to change without significant social effort.

Politics

  • In political discourse, policies can become entrenched when they are adopted widely and supported by laws or public opinion.
  • Partisan divides can create entrenched positions, where negotiation and collaboration become challenging.
  • Systems of governance sometimes become entrenched, hindering progress and adaptability to new ideas.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can lead to entrenched thinking, where individuals stick to their original beliefs despite new evidence.
  • The 'status quo bias' explains why people often prefer things to stay the same, contributing to entrenchment in various aspects of life.
  • Behavioral patterns can become entrenched, illustrating how habits can form and dominate personal choices.

Origin of 'entrench'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'entrencher', meaning to dig a trench.
  • It originally referred to the physical act of digging trenches for fortification in military contexts.
  • The use of the word has evolved to encompass the establishment of ideas or systems.

The word 'entrench' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the French word 'trencher,' which means to cut or to dig. Its use reflects a military context where digging trenches is essential for defense. The concept of entrenchment expanded over time to include the establishment of ideas and practices within societal frameworks. The metaphorical use of entrench has become common in social sciences, indicating that certain beliefs or structures become deeply embedded and resistant to change, similar to how a fortified position in battle becomes challenging to overturn. The evolution of the term showcases its versatility in both tangible and abstract contexts, highlighting its importance in discussions around culture, policy, and military strategy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,517, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.