Entangle

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /É›nˈtaÅ‹É¡É™l/, É›nˈtaÅ‹É¡lÌ©

Alternative forms

• entangel 16th C., intangle 16th–18th CC.

Origin

From the Middle English entanglen ("to involve someone in difficulty”, “to embarrass"). Equivalent to - + tangle.

Full definition of entangle

Verb

1. To tangle; to twist or interweave in such a manner as not to be easily separated; to make confused and intricate; as, to entangle yarn or the hair.
2. To involve in such complications as to render extrication difficult; hence, metaphorically, to insnare; to perplex; to bewilder; to puzzle; as, to entangle the feet in a net, or in briers.
3. To involve in difficulties or embarrassments; to embarrass, puzzle, or distract by adverse or perplexing circumstances, interests, demands, etc.; to hamper; to bewilder.

Antonyms

• disentangle

Related terms

• entanglement
• entangler
• entangling