# entangled

/ɛnˈtæŋɡəɫd/ (US) · /ɛntˈæŋɡəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entangled
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

caught or twisted in something like a net or a complicated situation. It describes being stuck in a way that is hard to get out of.

For teachers: twisted together in a physical mass or caught in a complex, difficult situation. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'get'.

## Examples

- The bird's wing was entangled in the fishing line.
- The two companies became entangled in a legal battle that lasted for several years.
- The dolphin became entangled in a discarded plastic net, requiring a team of divers to carefully cut it loose before it could return to the open sea.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The wires were entangled to each other." but "The wires were entangled with each other." — Entangled typically takes the preposition 'with' or 'in', not 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'in' or 'with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.