entangle — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To tangle up; to twist or interweave in such a manner as not to be easily separated.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   enmeshensnareensnarl

   Antonyms

   disentangleunsnarl

   Examples

   The dolphins became entangled in a fishing net.

2. To involve in such complications as to render extrication difficult.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Antonyms

   disentangle

3. To ensnare.

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   perplexbewilderpuzzle

   Antonyms

   disentangleresolveunpuzzle

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   But when I turn away, / Thou, willing me to stay, / Wooest not, nor vainly wranglest; / But, looking fixedly the while, / All my bounding heart entanglest, / In a golden-netted smile; […]

4. To involve in difficulties or embarrassments; to embarrass, puzzle, or distract by adverse or perplexing circumstances, interests, demands, etc.; to hamper; to bewilder.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   implicateinvolve

   Antonyms

   disentangle

   Examples

   The story entangles the facts with value judgments.

Verb

1. entrap

   Synonyms

   mire

   Broader terms

   involve

   Examples

   Our people should not be mired in the past

2. twist together or entwine into a confusing mass

   Synonyms

   tanglematsnarl

   Antonyms

   disentangle

   Broader terms

   twisttwinedistort

   Examples

   The child entangled the cord