entanglement

[ en-tang-guhl-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of entangling.
2. the state of being entangled.
3. something that entangles; snare; involvement; complication.

Other Words From

• inter·en·tangle·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of entanglement¹

First recorded in 1630–40; entangle + -ment

Example Sentences

“In ‘Will & Harper,’ we see two people who are deeply intertwined in each other’s lives — not through romantic entanglement but through the support that only two friends can offer — and that’s worthy of exploration,” says Greenbaum.

From Los Angeles Times

There are already a small number of US forces in the country - but this new deployment of about 100 troops is significant as it signals further US entanglement in the expanding regional war.

From BBC

The most bitter entanglement started in 1982 when Israel invaded southern Lebanon and its troops marched all the way to Beirut.

From Los Angeles Times

A perimeter defense on the western side of the Atlantic, he argued, would be surer and less likely to produce permanent American entanglement in European affairs.

From Salon

Warming ocean waters are also disrupting food supplies, while entanglement with commercial fishing lines is another danger whales face.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imbroglio
• liaison