entrenched

American  

[en-trencht] / ɛnˈtrɛntʃt /

adjective

1. firmly or solidly established; placed in a position of strength.

   One of the most firmly entrenched ideas of masculinity is that men don't cry.

2. surrounded by trenches dug for defensive purposes.

   Government troops had finally been forced to abandon their entrenched positions, making them vulnerable to ground attack.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of entrench.

Other Word Forms

• unentrenched
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of entrenched

entrench ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

When you're entrenched, you're dug in. Sometimes that means you're literally in a trench, but usually it means you just won't budge from a position or belief. Entrenched things are buried so solidly that they can't move — or just behave like they're firmly lodged in some deep hole. Usually this word refers to views people hold very strongly. Having turkey on Thanksgiving is a tradition that's entrenched in American culture — it's long been established and isn't going anywhere. When you're entrenched, you're being stubborn or consistent, depending on your view.

Example Sentences

It is the sovereign people alone who can craft entrenched rules.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

In a league defined by a Celtic-Rangers duopoly so entrenched that it’s known as the Old Firm, simply pulling into contention is cause for celebration.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The negotiating teams in Washington are being led by Lebanon's Simon Karam and Israel's Yechiel Leiter, both political veterans with entrenched views.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

These were no longer temporary formations but had become entrenched institutions within their communities, the report said.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The sickness had been entrenched in the building since early October, and it was now the middle of November.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• rooted