entangle

[ en-tang-guhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·tan·gled, en·tan·gling.

1. to make tangled; ensnarl; intertwine.
2. to involve in or as in a tangle; ensnare; enmesh:

   to be entangled by intrigue.

3. to involve in difficulties.
4. to confuse or perplex.

   Synonyms: bewilder

entangle

/ ɪnˈtæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh
2. to make tangled or twisted; snarl
3. to make complicated; confuse
4. to involve in difficulties; entrap

Derived Forms

• enˈtangler, noun

Other Words From

• en·tangle·a·ble adjective
• en·tangled·ly adverb
• en·tangled·ness noun
• en·tangler noun
• en·tangling·ly adverb
• inter·en·tangle verb (used with object) interentangled interentangling
• unen·tangle·a·ble adjective
• unen·tangled adjective
• unen·tangling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entangle¹

First recorded in 1530–40; en- ¹ + tangle ¹

Synonym Study

See involve.

Example Sentences

The Bell theorem refers to how entangled electrons are predicted by quantum mechanics, making them non-local — often referred to as “spooky action at a distance.”

From Salon

Consequently, the notion of "food safety" too has become entangled with religion, which is sometimes used to ascribe motive to alleged incidents of contamination.

From BBC

The two became more and more entangled in each other's lives but they never met, even after years of correspondence.

From BBC

“Today, the collective UNM supported from abroad is trying to come to power through unrest and get this country entangled in war and chaos,” Ivanishvili told supporters in Batumi on 10 October.

From BBC

A study of nonviolent action by Dalilah Shemia-Goeke finds that multinational corporations are deeply entangled with states in reciprocal relationships of dependence.

From Salon

Related Words

• complicate
• confuse
• embarrass
• embroil
• enmesh
• ensnare
• entrap
• implicate
• intertwine
• interweave
• perplex
• snare
• snarl
• tangle
• unsettle