Tangle

/ˈtæŋɡəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a confused mass of something twisted together; a complicated or confused situation.

The fishing line was a complete tangle after getting caught on the rocks.

a disagreement or dispute.

The legal tangle over the property has been ongoing for years.

verb

to twist together or entwine into a confusing mass.

Please don't tangle the Christmas lights while putting them away.

to involve in difficulties or complications.

He managed to tangle himself in a web of lies.

Middle English tanglen, from tangle (noun).

tangle with

To engage in a difficult situation or conflict.

in a tangle

In a disordered or complicated state.

tangled up in

Caught or involved in something difficult.

entanglement

The state of being entangled or intertwined.

untangle

To free from tangling or confusion.

snarl

To tangle or twist in a vicious or complicated way.

A mess or complicated situation.

I got myself into a real tangle with that project.

To be confused or to confuse someone.

Stop tangling my thoughts!