Entangle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entangle

[ษชnหˆtรฆล‹ษกษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in relationships

To involve someone in a difficult or complicated situation, especially a relationship, in a way that is not easy to escape from.

Synonyms

embroil, ensnare, involve.

Examples of usage

  • She felt entangled in a web of lies.
  • He was entangled in a messy love triangle.
Context #2 | Verb

in objects

To twist together or entwine into a confusing mass.

Synonyms

snarl, tangle, twist.

Examples of usage

  • The wires were entangled and difficult to separate.
  • The branches of the trees were entangled in a dense thicket.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, quantum entanglement describes a phenomenon where particles become interconnected, so the action of one affects another, no matter the distance.
  • Entangled states in physics challenge our understanding of reality, implying that objects can be linked in ways that defy classical communication.
  • This principle is being researched for its potential applications in quantum computing and secure communication systems.

Literature

  • Famous works, like Shakespeare's plays, often use 'entangle' metaphorically to unravel complex relationships and emotions among characters.
  • In fairy tales, entanglements often symbolize obstacles the hero must overcome, such as being caught in a web of lies or deception.
  • The concept of entanglement appears in numerous novels, highlighting the intricacies of human connections and how they can trap or free individuals.

Pop Culture

  • 'Entangled' is a common theme in movies and TV shows, often highlighting complicated love stories or friendships filled with misunderstandings.
  • Animated films like 'Tangled' creatively explore the idea of entanglement through character relationships and plot twists.
  • Music lyrics frequently reference entanglement as a metaphor for love, expressing the complex emotions tied to being close to someone.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, people can feel 'entangled' in relationships where they experience emotional dependency or an inability to break free.
  • The idea of being entangled often relates to feelings of being trapped in oneโ€™s own thoughts or life situations, affecting mental health.
  • Therapeutic approaches may help individuals untangle their feelings by exploring personal connections and conflicts.

Origin of 'entangle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the early 15th century, combining 'en', meaning 'to cause to be in', and 'tangle', which means 'to entangle or twist'.
  • It originally described the action of causing something to get twisted into knots or caught up.
  • In Middle English, 'tanglen' was commonly used to describe getting caught in nets or thick vegetation.

The word 'entangle' originated from the Middle English word 'entangelen', which came from the Old French 'entangler'. The prefix 'en-' means 'in, into' and 'tangle' refers to a twisted or knotted mass. The word has been used in English since the 15th century.


See also: tangled, tangledly, untangle.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,629, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.