enmesh
/in'meʃ/
Definition
- Verb:
- To entangle or catch in, or as if in, a mesh or net.
- To involve in a situation, argument, or problem from which it is difficult to escape.
Usage
- The primary use of enmesh is to describe the act of becoming or causing someone/something to become entangled, either physically or figuratively.
- It often implies a complex, restrictive, or problematic entanglement.
Examples
- Physical Entanglement:
- The dolphin became enmeshed in the fishing net.
- The vines enmeshed the old garden gate, making it hard to open.
- Figurative Entanglement:
- The company was enmeshed in a lengthy legal dispute.
- He found himself enmeshed in their family arguments.
Advanced Usage
- "Enmesh oneself in/with": To voluntarily or involuntarily become deeply involved in a complicated situation.
- She unwittingly enmeshed herself in a web of lies.
- "Become/Get enmeshed": A common passive construction describing the state of being entangled.
- The two issues are so enmeshed that it's hard to discuss one without the other.
Variants and Related Words
- Enmeshed (adj): The state of being entangled.
- The enmeshed cables took hours to untangle.
- Enmeshment (n): The condition or process of becoming enmeshed.
- The enmeshment of personal and professional life can be stressful.
Synonyms
- Entangle: To twist together or involve in a confusing manner.
- Ensnaре: To catch in or as if in a trap.
- Trap: To catch or hold, especially by deception.
- Involve: To include as a necessary part or result (less intense than enmesh).
Antonyms
- Disentangle: To free from entanglement.
- Extricate: To remove from a difficult situation.
- Liberate: To set free.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Enmeshed in a web of...: Deeply involved in a complex, often deceitful, situation.
- The spy was enmeshed in a web of international intrigue.
- Hopelessly enmeshed: So deeply entangled that escape seems impossible.
- Their finances were hopelessly enmeshed after the joint venture.
Verb
-
entangle or catch in (or as if in) a mesh
