Entrenchment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Sociology

• In social contexts, entrenchment can refer to deeply held beliefs or practices that resist change, often leading to social divisions.
• Groups that become entrenched may struggle to listen to opposing views, which can create conflict or stagnation.
• Institutions can become entrenched when they develop rigid structures over time that impede progress.

Psychology

• Cognitive entrenchment occurs when individuals stick to their familiar ways of thinking, even in the face of new evidence.
• This phenomenon can limit creativity and problem-solving, as people may feel comfortable with familiar strategies.
• Resistance to change, seen in our habits and choices, often relates to emotional and psychological attachments.

Political Science

• In politics, entrenchment refers to the establishment of laws or policies that are difficult to reverse, protecting certain interests.
• Political entrenchment can lead to power imbalances, as certain groups entrench their influence over time.
• It can also manifest through gerrymandering, where district boundaries are drawn to favor one political party.

Business and Economics

• In business, entrenchment can describe a situation where companies develop strong market positions that are hard for newcomers to challenge.
• Established firms may grow entrenched in their ways, making it difficult to innovate or adapt to changing markets.
• Investors may become entrenched in specific companies, showing loyalty that can cloud objective judgment about new opportunities.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the root 'entrench', which means to dig trenches or set something securely.
• It originated in military contexts in the 18th century, where physical trenches were used for protection during battles.
• The term has evolved to describe not just physical barriers but also mental or organizational ones.

The word 'entrenchment' originates from the verb 'entrench,' which itself is derived from the Old French 'entrencher,' meaning 'to cut in' or 'to carve.' The prefix 'en-' suggests the act of causing to be in a position, while 'trench' refers to a long, narrow excavation in the ground. The term evolved in military contexts, especially during the 17th century, when trench warfare became a significant tactical approach in armed conflicts. By the late 19th century, the notion of entrenchment expanded beyond military use to describe psychological and social rigidity, reflecting how deeply held beliefs can be resistant to change. Overall, 'entrenchment' encapsulates both physical and metaphorical forms of defense, illustrating resistance in various domains of human experience.

At rank #27,352, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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