extricate

American  

[ek-stri-keyt] / ˈɛk strɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

extricated, extricating

1. to free or release from entanglement; disengage.

   to extricate someone from a dangerous situation.

   Synonyms:

   liberate, deliver, rescue, loose, loose

2. to liberate (gas) from combination, as in a chemical process.

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extricate British  

/ ˈɛkstrɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to remove or free from complication, hindrance, or difficulty; disentangle

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Other Word Forms

• extricable adjective
• extrication noun
• unextricated adjective

Etymology

Origin of extricate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin extricātus (past participle of extricāre ), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + tric(ae) “perplexities” + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, despite these woes, I was able to extricate some March Madness picks from the collective wisdom, or otherwise, of the major AI platforms.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

We would not extricate ourselves from that costly conflict for another seventeen years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Rocket responded with its “Bully Shield” program, which pays penalties and court fees for any brokers who want to extricate themselves from UWM External link’s contract.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

As they search for answers, they see students with their eyes glued to their devices, unable to extricate themselves from the hit of dopamine they get from their screen’s blue light.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2025

Ron, who had fought his way through to Harry’s side, doubled up with laughter as they watched Malfoy fighting to extricate himself from the robe, Goyle’s head still stuck inside it.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• bail out
• detach
• differentiate
• disengage
• disentangle
• extract
• liberate
• rescue