entrammel

entrammel

The hiker's boot became entrammeled in a thicket of vines.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To entangle or impede: "entrammel" means to catch or involve in a net, trap, or obstacle, causing difficulty or hindrance in movement or progress.
    • To hamper or obstruct: It also implies creating confusion or complexity that prevents smooth action or decision-making.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • The new regulations will entrammel the company's expansion plans. (The rules will create obstacles that hinder growth.)
    • Her fear of failure can entrammel her creativity. (Her anxiety impedes her ability to think freely.)
    • The vines began to entrammel the garden gate, making it hard to open. (The plants tangled around the gate, blocking access.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be entrammeled in": to be caught or involved in a difficult or complicated situation.

    • The politician found himself entrammeled in a web of scandals. (He was trapped in a complex, problematic situation.)

  • "entrammeled by": hindered or obstructed by a specific factor.

    • The project was entrammeled by bureaucratic delays. (The progress was slowed by official procedures.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Trammel (n): a net for catching birds or fish; also, a hindrance or restraint.
    • The fisherman used a trammel to catch the salmon. (A type of net designed for trapping.)
  • Trammel (v): to confine or hamper; to catch in a net.
    • The rules trammeled their freedom of expression. (The restrictions limited their liberty.)
  • Untrammeled (adj): not hampered or restricted; free.
    • She enjoyed the untrammeled freedom of the open road. (She had no limitations or obstacles.)
Synonyms
  • Ensnare: to catch in a trap or snare.
  • Hinder: to create difficulties that delay or slow progress.
  • Impede: to delay or prevent movement or progress.
  • Entangle: to twist or involve in a complicated manner.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Entrammel up: to cause confusion or obstruction in a process.
    • The mismanagement entrammeled up the entire supply chain. (The poor management created chaos and delays.)
Related Idioms

  • Caught in a web: to be involved in a complicated or deceptive situation.

    • He was caught in a web of lies that entrammeled his reputation. (The lies created a complex trap that harmed his image.)

  • Tied up in knots: to be confused or hindered by complexity.

    • The legal jargon entrammeled her understanding of the contract. (The complicated language confused and impeded her.)