enmesh

/in'meʃ/

Thân thiện

The kitten became enmeshed in the ball of yarn.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Verb

1. entangle or catch in (or as if in) a mesh

Từ đồng nghĩa

• mesh
• ensnarl