entrenched
en-TRENCHT
/ɪnˈtrɛntʃt/
(Of an attitude, habit, or belief) firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained.
Usually carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the thing is stuck and resisting necessary progress.
The story behind the word. The word comes from military warfare, specifically the digging of trenches. Once a soldier was 'en-trenched,' they were protected by a deep ditch and were extremely difficult to move or defeat.
Word relationships
- ingrained: Ingrained suggests something that has become part of the fabric; entrenched suggests a defensive, unyielding position.
- superficial: Existing only on the surface and easily changed.
Commonly confused with
- established: Established means recognized and accepted; entrenched means stuck and resistant to change.
Word family
- entrench (verb): To establish something so firmly that change is very difficult.
Collocations
- deeply entrenched
- entrenched interests
- entrenched positions
Example sentences
- "The conflict was fueled by entrenched prejudices that had been passed down for generations." Social issues.
- "It is difficult to pass new laws when special interest groups are so entrenched in the capital." Political commentary.
Memory hook
Think of a soldier in a deep trench. He is not coming out easily, and you can't push him out. In the trench: Stuck and stubborn.
When not to use
Don't use it for something that is simply 'old'; it must be 'unshakeable' or 'deeply rooted'.
Fun facts
- The term became widely used in a metaphorical sense after World War I, where trench warfare led to years of bloody stalemate.
Related words
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