entangling
Weaving into knots
Entangling describes something that catches, ensnares, or complicates.
Fishing line becomes entangling when it wraps around things.
An entangling alliance draws nations into unwanted conflicts—a phrase from Washington's farewell address warning against foreign commitments.
Entangling roots trip hikers; entangling regulations trap businesses in red tape.
Device for catching prey
- trapDevice for catching animals
- ensnareCatch by trickery
- captureTake into custody
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
lure · ambush · decoy · web · net · quicksand · pitfall · clutches
Thick twisted fibers
State of being complicated
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- knottyComplex and difficult
- thornyHaving sharp protrusions
- messyLacking order or neatness
Byzantine · labyrinthine · confusing · muddled · intricate · perplexing · problematic · sticky
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- allianceFormal union of parties
- involvementState of being engaged
- liaisonConnector between groups
- enmeshmentBoundary-blurring relational pattern
codependency · attachment · bond · connection · relationship · romance · dalliance · flirtation
Verbal clash over differences
- warArmed struggle between groups
- allianceFormal union of parties
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
geopolitics · sovereignty · border · territorial · skirmish · embargo · sanction · hostilities
snare
Device for catching prey
entrapment · lure · ambush · decoy · web · net · quicksand · pitfall · clutches · mire
rope
Thick twisted fibers
tether · snare · net · web · vine · lasso · noose · mesh · netting · lattice
complexity
State of being complicated
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- knottyComplex and difficult
- thornyHaving sharp protrusions
messy · Byzantine · labyrinthine · confusing · muddled · intricate · perplexing · problematic · sticky · tricky
affair
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- allianceFormal union of parties
- involvementState of being engaged
- liaisonConnector between groups
enmeshment · codependency · attachment · bond · connection · relationship · romance · dalliance · flirtation · intrigue
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
diplomacy · geopolitics · sovereignty · border · territorial · skirmish · embargo · sanction · hostilities · quagmire
entanglingdisentangling
Separating intertwined things
freeing · releasing · extricating · untangling · disengaging
entanglingexplaining
Making something understood
clarifying · simplifying · untangling · elucidating · unraveling
entanglingdisengaging
Releasing from attachment
withdrawing · distancing · extricating · uninvolving · removing