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

Governing such a state requires balancing competing interests, navigating entrenched divisions and, yes, making decisions that will inevitably anger one side or the other.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

He has become, for supporters, a symbol of order in a country where insecurity remains stubbornly entrenched.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

There is still no trust between the two sides, with strongly entrenched positions.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"This reform is unwinding 20 years of entrenched social media practices," said Inman Grant.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 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