entangle

• entangel [16th C.], intangle [16th–18th CC.]

From the Middle English entanglen (“to involve [someone] in difficulty”, “to embarrass”). Equivalent to en- +‎ tangle.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɛnˈtaŋɡəl/, [ɛnˈtaŋɡl̩]

entangle (third-person singular simple present entangles, present participle entangling, simple past and past participle entangled)

1. (transitive) To tangle up; to twist or interweave in such a manner as not to be easily separated

   The dolphins became entangled in a fishing net.

2. (transitive) To involve in such complications as to render extrication difficult
3. (transitive, figuratively), to ensnare

   Synonyms: perplex, bewilder, puzzle

4. (transitive) To involve in difficulties or embarrassments; to embarrass, puzzle, or distract by adverse or perplexing circumstances, interests, demands, etc.; to hamper; to bewilder.

• disentangle

• entanglement
• entangler
• entangling

• entangle in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• entangle in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

• entangel