Entrenched: meaning, definitions and examples

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entrenched

 

[ ɪnˈtren(t)ʃt ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in politics

Firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change, especially with regard to an attitude or belief.

Synonyms

deep-rooted, established, fixed, ingrained, unchanging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entrenched

Often used to describe beliefs, attitudes, or systems that are very firmly established and difficult to change. This term can imply something negative or resistant to change.

  • The company's culture of micromanagement is deeply entrenched.
  • Old traditions remain entrenched in society despite modern influences.
established

Used to describe something that is set up or accepted for a long period, such as institutions, practices, or routines.

  • The restaurant is an established favorite in the neighborhood.
  • He follows an established morning routine.
ingrained

Often used for habits or beliefs that are deeply embedded in a person or culture, implying a strong resistance to change.

  • His prejudices are deeply ingrained.
  • Ingrained habits can be difficult to break.
deep-rooted

Typically refers to feelings, beliefs, or practices that have existed for a long time and are firmly established.

  • He has a deep-rooted fear of failure.
  • Deep-rooted customs are passed down through generations.
fixed

This word suggests that something is securely in place and not likely to change. It can be used for physical objects, schedules, prices, or opinions.

  • The schedule is fixed and cannot be altered.
  • She has a fixed mindset about the issue.
unchanging

Refers to something that remains the same over time, particularly when there is an expectation or possibility that it could change.

  • The landscape of the village has remained unchanging for centuries.
  • Her unchanging dedication to the cause is admirable.

Examples of usage

  • The party's entrenched leadership refused to consider any changes to their policies.
  • Despite growing public opposition, the entrenched government officials remained in power.
  • Her entrenched views on the subject made it difficult to have a constructive conversation.
  • The company's entrenched practices hindered innovation and progress.
  • Breaking free from the entrenched mindset was a challenge for the team.
Context #2 | Verb

in warfare

To establish an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly that change is very difficult.

Synonyms

embed, establish, fortify, root, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entrenched

used to describe something that is very firmly established and difficult to change, often with a negative connotation.

  • The company's policies are so entrenched that it's almost impossible to implement new ideas.
  • Old traditions are deeply entrenched in their culture.
establish

used for creating or starting something that is meant to last or has become recognized.

  • They worked hard to establish a successful business.
  • It’s important to establish rules early in a project.
fortify

used when making something stronger, often in a physical or defensive sense.

  • They decided to fortify the walls to protect against the invaders.
  • Drinking orange juice can fortify your immune system.
secure

used to describe making something safe or obtaining something with confidence.

  • We need to secure the perimeter to ensure everyone's safety.
  • She managed to secure a spot at the prestigious university.
embed

used when something is firmly fixed into another thing, often physically or figuratively.

  • The technician embedded the microchip into the device.
  • These values are embedded in our training programs.
root

used to describe something that is deeply and fundamentally connected to a place, culture, idea, or feeling.

  • His love for the countryside is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences.
  • The problem is rooted in the lack of education.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers entrenched themselves behind the barricades.
  • The general ordered the troops to entrench their position.
  • It is important to entrench good behavior from a young age.
  • The negative experiences had entrenched a fear of failure in her mind.
  • The company's success was entrenched in its commitment to quality.

Translations

Translations of the word "entrenched" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arraigado

🇮🇳 जड़ जमाए हुए

🇩🇪 eingebettet

🇮🇩 berakar kuat

🇺🇦 вкорінений

🇵🇱 zakorzeniony

🇯🇵 根付いた

🇫🇷 enraciné

🇪🇸 arraigado

🇹🇷 kökleşmiş

🇰🇷 뿌리깊은

🇸🇦 متجذر

🇨🇿 zažraný

🇸🇰 zakorenený

🇨🇳 根深蒂固的

🇸🇮 zakoreninjen

🇮🇸 rótgróinn

🇰🇿 тамыр жайған

🇬🇪 მაგრად ფესვგადგმული

🇦🇿 kök salmış

🇲🇽 arraigado

Etymology

The word 'entrenched' originated from the military term 'entrench', which dates back to the late 18th century. It originally referred to soldiers digging trenches for defense in warfare. Over time, the term evolved to also describe firmly established beliefs or attitudes that are difficult to change. The prefix 'en-' signifies 'to put into' or 'to make', while 'trench' refers to a long, narrow ditch. Thus, 'entrenched' metaphorically conveys the idea of something deeply rooted or firmly established.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,498, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.