Definition of entangle

entangleverb

vướng mắc

/ɪnˈtæŋɡl//ɪnˈtæŋɡl/

The word "entangle" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "entangler." This French verb is a combination of "en," meaning "in" or "within," and "tangler," which is related to the verb "tangler," meaning "to twist" or "to wind." The Old French verb "entangler" initially meant "to wind or twine into or among" something, and its use expanded to mean "to confuse or perplex" someone. The word entered Middle English around the 1290s, retaining its original and metaphorical meanings. Throughout its evolution, "entangle" has maintained its connection to physical and mental entwinement, often describing situations where objects or ideas are intricately connected or confused. Today, the word is used in various contexts, including science, literature, and everyday conversation, to convey a sense of complexity or perplexity.

namespace

to make somebody/something become caught or twisted in something

làm cho ai/cái gì bị mắc kẹt hoặc bị xoắn vào cái gì đó

Example:
  • The bird had become entangled in the wire netting.

    Con chim đã bị vướng vào lưới thép.

to involve somebody in a difficult or complicated situation

lôi kéo ai đó vào một tình huống khó khăn hoặc phức tạp

Example:
  • He became entangled in a series of conflicts with the management.

    Anh vướng vào hàng loạt mâu thuẫn với ban quản lý.

  • She didn't want to get entangled (= emotionally involved) with him.

    Cô không muốn vướng vào (= liên quan đến tình cảm) với anh ta.

Related words and phrases