WordGarden.ioentrench
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛntrˈɛntʃ/
US
- /ɛnˈtrɛntʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to make a belief, practice, or social pattern firmly established and hard to change
to give a right, rule, or provision legal protection against easy repeal or amendment
to dig in or place troops in defensive trenches
Beyond the definition
Imagine a soldier digging a deep trench. That is where the word "entrench" comes from. It means to set something so firmly that it becomes hard to change. Ideas, beliefs, systems, and habits can all become entrenched over time. If someone is entrenched in their ways, they are very fixed in their opinions and do not want to change. The word is often used for things that last and become hard to move, whether that is a bad habit, an old belief, or even good values in a group or society.
To entrench something means to establish it firmly and deeply, making it difficult to remove or change. The origin of the word comes from military strategy, where soldiers dig trenches for protection and to create a strong defensive position. This idea extends metaphorically to many other areas of life.
An entrenched belief is one that has been held for a long time and is very resistant to new evidence or perspectives. For example: "Racist attitudes are deeply entrenched in some communities." Similarly, an entrenched habit is one that has become automatic and hard to break, like biting your nails or checking your phone constantly.
The word can also describe a strong position or advantage that someone wants to protect. A company might try to entrench its market share by offering competitive prices and building brand loyalty. A political party might work to entrench its power through legislative changes.
Importantly, "entrench" doesn't necessarily imply something negative. You can also entrench positive values or practices, such as entrenching a culture of innovation within an organization. However, the word always suggests a degree of permanence and resistance to change. If something is entrenched, be prepared for a challenge if you try to dislodge it!
Examples
- 1
Social policy
The policy could entrench existing inequalities instead of reducing them.
- 2
Company culture
Over the years, this attitude became deeply entrenched in the company culture.
- Patternentrenched in + place/system
firmly established there and hard to change
- 3
Military power
The long war helped entrench the power of the military.
- 4
Debate
The debate only entrenched both sides in their positions.
- Patternentrench someone in their position
make them less willing to change their opinion
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Habits
Once that habit gets entrenched, it can be difficult to break.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- entrench power
- entrench inequality
- entrenched interests
- deeply entrenched
Word family
Explore
- resistance to change
- status quo
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- entrenchverb
Forms
- entrenchedpast tenseverb
- entrenching-ing formverb
- entrenchesverb