Meaning & Definition of word "Mire"

Mire

/maɪər/

noun:

  • 1. A stretch of swampy or boggy ground.
    • Example: The hikers struggled to navigate through the mire that filled the valley.
  • 2. A situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment from which it is hard to extricate oneself.
    • Example: The company found itself in a financial mire after several poor investments.

verb:

  • 1. To cause to become stuck in mud or bog; to entrap.
    • Example: The vehicle was mired in the thick mud after the heavy rain.
  • 2. To involve someone or something in a difficult situation.
    • Example: He was mired in controversy after his questionable comments.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of mire

Meaning: To get stuck or bogged down

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

Meaning: To be in a bad situation

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