entrenchment
entrenchment — noun
1. the condition in which particular opinions, attitudes, or systems become so deep
the condition in which particular opinions, attitudes, or systems become so deeply established that people accept them without question and find them very difficult to change or remove
The entrenchment of gender stereotypes keeps women from reaching top leadership roles.
collocation: entrenchment of [abstract noun]
Decades of political conflict led to the entrenchment of opposing views among the two communities.
The entrenchment of old teaching methods keeps schools from adopting digital tools, Jiwoo argued.
A strong constitution can prevent the entrenchment of any single group's control over the government.
- establishment
more neutral; does not carry the 'difficult to change' implication
- embedding
focuses on integration within a system, not on resistance to change
- consolidation
emphasises making something stronger rather than making it fixed
- changeability
the quality of being open to change
- flexibility
willingness to adapt rather than stay fixed
文法句型
entrenchment + of + [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Frequently found in academic or political writing about social structures, beliefs, and institutions. The word carries a negative implication — that the established state is undesirable or overly rigid.
常見錯誤
2. a defensive structure made of ditches, raised earth walls, and other barriers du
a defensive structure made of ditches, raised earth walls, and other barriers dug into the ground to protect soldiers and military positions during combat
The army built a long line of entrenchments along the eastern side of the valley.
collocation: line of entrenchments
Soldiers spent weeks digging entrenchments to defend their position against the advancing troops.
collocation: dig entrenchments
Diego studied how ancient Roman armies used entrenchments to protect their camps during long sieges.
Remains of old entrenchments are still visible in the countryside near the battlefield.
- fortifications
broader term covering all defensive structures including walls, castles, and bunkers
- trenches
refers specifically to the ditches; 'entrenchments' includes the raised earth walls too
- earthworks
neutral term focused on construction material rather than military purpose
文法句型
dig/build/construct entrenchments
用法筆記
Most commonly encountered in historical or military contexts. In modern warfare, entrenchments have largely been replaced by portable barriers and fortified positions, though the term still appears in discussions of historical battles.