entrenchment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “entrenchment” mean?
The process of establishing an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly that change is very difficult.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of establishing an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly that change is very difficult; also, a defensive military position consisting of a trench and a parapet.
In a broad sense, the state of being deeply and securely embedded within a system, structure, or set of ideas, making removal or alteration resistant to change. In political contexts, it refers to the protection of a law or right so it cannot be easily abolished.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Entrenchment' is standard in both. The spelling 'intrenchment' is a rare, archaic variant.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British political/legal discourse regarding constitutional matters. In American English, often used in business/organizational contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; moderate-low, appearing more in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “entrenchment” in a Sentence
entrenchment of [abstract noun] (e.g., power, inequality, rights)entrenchment in [system/location] (e.g., in the constitution, in the corporate culture)lead to/facilitate/prevent entrenchmentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entrenchment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policies served to entrench social divisions further.
- The rights were entrenched in the devolution settlement.
American English
- The company's monopoly became entrenched over decades.
- The amendment entrenches the freedom of speech.
adverb
British English
- The tradition is entrenchedly observed in the northern counties. (Very rare)
American English
- The belief is entrenchedly held within the community. (Very rare)
adjective
British English
- The team faced entrenched opposition from the local council.
- His views on the matter were deeply entrenched.
American English
- They battled against entrenched bureaucratic interests.
- Entrenched poverty is difficult to overcome.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the embedding of inefficient practices or market positions that create barriers to new competitors.
Academic
Used in sociology, political science, and history to describe the solidification of social norms, power structures, or inequalities.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used to describe a very stubborn habit or attitude.
Technical
In military science, refers to a prepared defensive position. In law, refers to clauses that make a statute or right difficult to amend.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “entrenchment”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “entrenchment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entrenchment”
- Confusing with 'entrancement' (state of being fascinated).
- Misspelling as 'intrenchment' (archaic).
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'entrench').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While often negative (e.g., entrenchment of inequality), it can be positive or neutral when protecting fundamental rights or ensuring stability, such as the entrenchment of constitutional freedoms.
'Entrenchment' is a noun describing the state or result. 'Entrenching' is the present participle/gerund of the verb 'entrench,' focusing on the ongoing action or process.
Yes. It's used to describe established market positions, rigid corporate cultures, or procedures that are resistant to innovation (e.g., 'the entrenchment of legacy systems').
Yes, in military history, theory, and reports. It refers to a fortified defensive position, though the metaphorical use is now more frequent in general discourse.
The process of establishing an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly that change is very difficult.
Entrenchment is usually formal / academic in register.
Entrenchment: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtren(t)ʃm(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtrentʃmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Digging in one's heels (related concept of resisting change)”
- “Set in stone (similar concept of being unchangeable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRENCH in a war: soldiers dig in to protect their position. ENTRENCHMENT is digging in an idea or power so deeply it's hard to remove.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES / STATUS QUO IS A FORTRESS. Entrenchment conceptualizes an idea or practice as being dug into the ground, fortified, and defended.
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does 'entrenchment' most commonly refer to?