entangle

/ɪnˈtæŋɡl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈtæŋɡl/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈtaŋ-gəl en-/ (ame, mw)

entangle — verb

  • entanglepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • entangleshe / she / it
  • entangledpast simple
  • entangling-ing form

1. to make a person or thing get twisted, knotted, or caught in rope, wire, plants,

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a person or thing get twisted, knotted, or caught in rope, wire, plants, or similar material

例句

Bao's fishing line entangled the boat motor during the storm.

pattern: entangle + object

On the hill, a kite string entangled Mateo's bicycle wheel.

collocation: entangle a wheel

同義詞
  • catch

    broader everyday word; it does not always suggest twisting

  • snag

    often means catching on one point rather than wrapping around

  • ensnare

    stronger and more literary; often suggests a trap

反義詞
  • free

    general opposite when something is no longer caught

  • untangle

    specifically means separate the twisted parts

文法句型

entangle something in/with something

be entangled in/with something

用法筆記

Often used when rope, wire, hair, plants, or cloth wrap around something. This sense is very common in passive patterns such as 'be entangled in seaweed' or 'get entangled with cables'.

常見錯誤

❌The string entangled with the wheel.
✅The string got entangled with the wheel.
💡when no direct object is named, English usually uses the passive or 'get entangled'.

2. to pull someone into a messy situation, relationship, or legal problem that beco

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to pull someone into a messy situation, relationship, or legal problem that becomes hard to escape

例句

The leaked email entangled the mayor in another scandal.

pattern: entangle somebody in trouble

One false signature entangled Yasmin in a long court case.

同義詞
  • involve

    broader and can be neutral; entangle suggests difficulty

  • embroil

    stronger and often used for open conflict or argument

  • implicate

    more specific and often used when crime or evidence is involved

反義詞
  • free

    remove someone from the difficult situation

  • clear

    show that someone is not connected to wrongdoing

文法句型

entangle somebody/yourself in something

be entangled in something

用法筆記

Often followed by 'in' and commonly used in the passive. The problem is usually debt, scandal, crime, or another complicated situation, not a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌The club was entangled with a party tonight.
✅The club was involved with a party tonight.
💡this sense suggests trouble or complication, not a neutral connection.