Intrenched: meaning, definitions and examples
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intrenched
[ ɪnˈtrɛnʧt ]
deeply established
Intrenched refers to something that is firmly established and difficult to change. It often describes beliefs, ideas, or practices that are so deeply rooted that they resist efforts for alteration or removal. An example would be prejudices that have been passed down through generations, making them hard to eradicate. The term can also apply to physical structures, but it is most commonly used in a metaphorical sense.
Synonyms
established, fixed, ingrained, rooted.
Examples of usage
- Deeply entrenched social norms can hinder progress.
- The intrenched opinions in this community resist new ideas.
- Her intrenched beliefs make it challenging to engage in conversation.
- The company's intrenched practices resulted in inefficient procedures.
Etymology
The word 'intrenched' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'in-' meaning 'inside' and 'trenched,' which comes from the Old French 'trenchier' meaning 'to cut' or 'to carve.' Originally, 'entrench' referred to the act of digging trenches, as in military fortifications. Over time, its usage evolved to describe metaphorical trenches, where ideas or practices are so deeply embedded in the fabric of society or an organization that they are hard to change. This metaphorical application underscores the challenges of altering strongly held beliefs or established systems, indicating both a depth of existence and resistance to change.