Entrenching: meaning, definitions and examples

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entrenching

 

[ ɪnˈtrɛntʃɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military context

Entrenching refers to the act of digging trenches or fortifications to provide protection against enemy fire. This military tactic has been used throughout history, especially in warfare where prolonged fighting in fixed positions occurs. By creating a defensive position, soldiers can shield themselves from attacks and have a strategically advantageous location. Entrenching can also involve reinforcing these positions with materials such as sandbags or barbed wire. The process is crucial for ensuring survival in hostile environments.

Synonyms

digging in, fortifying, shielding

Examples of usage

  • The troops spent the night entrenching their position.
  • As the enemy advanced, they hastily began entrenching.
  • Entrenching tools were distributed to all soldiers before the battle.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative context

In a figurative sense, entrenching means to establish an idea, belief, or practice firmly within a system or a person's mind. It suggests a deep-rooted, often resistant quality to change. When an idea becomes entrenched, it can be challenging to alter or remove it from the societal or individual mindset. This term is commonly used in discussions about politics, culture, and social norms.

Synonyms

embedding, establishing, rooting

Examples of usage

  • The company's values were thoroughly entrenched in its corporate culture.
  • Old beliefs can be difficult to unearth once they are entrenched.
  • She was worried that misinformation could become entrenched in the community.

Translations

Translations of the word "entrenching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrenching

🇮🇳 गहराई में खुदाई करना

🇩🇪 einbetonieren

🇮🇩 memperkuat

🇺🇦 укріплення

🇵🇱 utrwalanie

🇯🇵 掘り込み

🇫🇷 enracinement

🇪🇸 afianzamiento

🇹🇷 yerleşik hale getirme

🇰🇷 고착화

🇸🇦 تأصيل

🇨🇿 zabetonování

🇸🇰 zabetónovanie

🇨🇳 加固

🇸🇮 utrjevanje

🇮🇸 festing

🇰🇿 құқықтандыру

🇬🇪 მტკიცება

🇦🇿 möhkəmləndirmə

🇲🇽 fortalecimiento

Etymology

The word 'entrenching' comes from the verb 'entrench', which has its origins in the mid-17th century. The term is derived from the Old French word 'entrenchier', meaning 'to cut, to dig in', itself coming from 'trenchier', which translates to 'to cut'. Trenching as a method of fortification became prominent during various historical conflicts, notably during the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, where established positions and defensive strategies were crucial. Over time, the word has evolved to take on figurative meanings, reflecting the broader practice of entrenching beliefs, ideas, and practices in societal contexts. Its dual usage in both military and metaphorical frameworks illustrates its adaptability and the persistence of both physical and ideological entrenchments throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,703 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.