# rooted

/ˈɹutəd/ (US) · /ɹˈuːtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rooted
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. unable to move

adjective · CEFR B2

unable to move from a spot because of a strong feeling like fear or shock.

For teachers: fixed in one position; rendered immobile by a powerful emotion or physical constraint.

- She stood rooted to the spot when she saw the bear in the garden.
- He remained rooted to the floor in disbelief, unable to process the news that his entire department had been dissolved overnight.

### 2. deeply connected

adjective · CEFR B2

having a strong or basic connection to a place, culture, or idea.

For teachers: having a fundamental connection or origin; based or originating from a specific source.

- His music is deeply rooted in the traditions of his home country.
- The conflict is rooted in centuries of territorial disputes that modern diplomacy has struggled to resolve.

### 3. broken or in trouble

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · British English · Dialect

completely broken, ruined, or in a very bad situation.

For teachers: describing something that is non-functional, damaged beyond repair, or a person in a state of significant trouble.

- I dropped my phone in the lake and now it is completely rooted.
- The engine is absolutely rooted, and the mechanic says it will cost more to fix than the car is worth.

Usage: Common in Australian and New Zealand English to mean 'broken'.

Teaching tip: This term can be considered vulgar in some contexts; learners should use it with caution as it carries a strong tone of frustration.

### 4. having administrative access

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing a device where the user has gained full control over the system software.

For teachers: pertaining to a device, especially a smartphone, where the root directory has been made accessible to the user to bypass manufacturer restrictions.

- He used a rooted phone to run apps that the manufacturer usually blocks.
- While a rooted device offers greater customisation, it often voids the warranty and leaves the operating system vulnerable to security breaches.

### 5. searched or cheered

verb · CEFR B2

the past action of searching through something or supporting a team.

For teachers: the past tense of root; used for the act of rummaging or, in American English, expressing support for a contestant.

- She rooted through her bag looking for her car keys.
- The crowd rooted for the underdog throughout the match, hoping for a last-minute comeback.

## Examples

- Her fear of water is rooted in a childhood accident.
- The conflict between the two families is rooted in a land dispute from fifty years ago.
- The artist's unique style is deeply rooted in the traditional folk music of her ancestors, yet it incorporates modern electronic elements that appeal to a global audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.