entangle
Catch in knots
To entangle is to catch or twist something in a way that makes it difficult to separate.
Fishing line entangles in kelp; a bird becomes entangled in netting.
Figuratively, to be entangled is to be caught up in something complicated or compromising: entangled in a web of lies, romantically entangled with a coworker.
The noun entanglement describes such situations, or in physics, a quantum phenomenon where particles remain connected across distance.
Tied rope fastening
- snarlHostile vocal threat
- snagUnforeseen complication
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- coilWound circular arrangement
mat · ravel · intertwine · entwine · catch · loop · mesh · web
Involve in strife
- involveTo contain as part
- implicateSuggest involvement in wrongdoing
- complicateMake more difficult
- enmeshCatch in interwoven strands
mire · ensnare · bog down · mix up · draw in · muddle · snarl · knot
Catch by trickery
- snareDevice for catching prey
- catchSeize or snag
- trapDevice for catching animals
- enmeshCatch in interwoven strands
capture · ensnarl · lure · hook · ambush · noose · clutch · grip
Verbal clash over differences
- embroilInvolve in strife
- enmeshCatch in interwoven strands
- involveTo contain as part
- litigationLegal dispute process
lawsuit · legal · bureaucracy · red tape · controversy · politics · scandal · custody
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- liaisonConnector between groups
- involvementState of being engaged
- romanceLove and its excitement
- flingForceful toss, or tryst
relationship · attachment · dalliance · tryst · amorous · lover · romantic · illicit
knot
Tied rope fastening
coil · mat · ravel · intertwine · entwine · catch · loop · mesh · web · net
embroil
Involve in strife
- involveTo contain as part
- implicateSuggest involvement in wrongdoing
- complicateMake more difficult
enmesh · mire · ensnare · bog down · mix up · draw in · muddle · snarl · knot · confuse
ensnare
Catch by trickery
enmesh · capture · ensnarl · lure · hook · ambush · noose · clutch · grip · pitfall
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
litigation · lawsuit · legal · bureaucracy · red tape · controversy · politics · scandal · custody · battle
affair
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- liaisonConnector between groups
- involvementState of being engaged
- romanceLove and its excitement
fling · relationship · attachment · dalliance · tryst · amorous · lover · romantic · illicit · paramour
- romantic entanglementsComplex love relationships
- quantum entanglementInseparable particle state pairing
- Foreign entanglementProblematic ties with other nations
- entangled particlesLinked subatomic units sharing state
entangled, disentangle, entanglement, entangling, disentangling, entangles, disentangled, entanglements, disentangles