Mire

/maɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A stretch of swampy or boggy ground.

The hikers struggled to navigate through the mire that filled the valley.

A situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment from which it is hard to extricate oneself.

The company found itself in a financial mire after several poor investments.

verb

To cause to become stuck in mud or bog; to entrap.

The vehicle was mired in the thick mud after the heavy rain.

To involve someone or something in a difficult situation.

He was mired in controversy after his questionable comments.

Middle English, from Old Norse 'myrkr', meaning 'dark, murky, swamp'.

mire in problems

To be stuck in a situation filled with difficulties.

mired in controversy

To be involved in a situation that is full of disagreement or conflict.

quagmire

A soft, boggy area of land that gives way underfoot.

bog

Wet muddy ground.

swamp

A wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species.

To get stuck or bogged down

I'm totally mired in this project; I can't make any progress.

To be in a bad situation

He's really mired after that last deal went sour.