Disentangle

/ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To remove tangles or knots from; to separate or untwist something that is complicated.

She tried to disentangle the headphones that had gotten knotted up in her bag.

To clarify or resolve a complex situation or problem.

It took hours of discussion to disentangle the issues surrounding the project.

To free oneself from entanglement or involvement.

He was finally able to disentangle himself from the responsibilities of the community project.

From 'dis-' meaning 'not' + 'entangle', from Middle French 'entangler'.

disentangle from

to separate or remove oneself from a situation.

disentangle a web of lies

to clarify or reveal the truth from a complicated series of falsehoods.

entangle

to twist or involve someone or something in a complicated situation.

tangle

to twist together in a confused way.

to sort things out or make sense of a situation

I need to disentangle my thoughts before the meeting.

to break free from drama or complications

After all that drama, she just wanted to disentangle and relax.