Entangle: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 one’s own thoughts or life situations, affecting mental health.
• Therapeutic approaches may help individuals untangle their feelings by exploring personal connections and conflicts.

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

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• 28629 entangle
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