enmeshed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈmɛʃt/
KK: /ɪnˈmɛʃt/
adjective
Definition
Tangled or twisted together in a way that makes it difficult to separate.
Example
The fishing line became enmeshed in the weeds, making it hard to pull it out.
Conversation
I found my old headphones, but the wires are all enmeshed together.
Oh no! That's always frustrating to deal with.
Yeah, I guess I should have stored them better.
Maybe try using a case next time to keep them untangled.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
entangled
intertwined
woven
Antonyms
free
untangled
separate
verb
Definition
To become caught or involved in something in a complicated or difficult way.
Example
The fish became enmeshed in the net and couldn't escape.
Tense Forms
Past: enmeshed
Past Participle: enmeshed
Conversation
I heard you got enmeshed in that new project at work.
Yeah, it’s been a bit overwhelming, to be honest.
I can imagine! Sometimes those projects really enmesh you in a lot of details.
Root Explanation
Enmeshed → It is formed from the prefix "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and the root "mesh" (from Old English *mæsce*, meaning to entangle or interlace) with the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "enmeshed" means to be caught or entangled in a mesh or network.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'caused to be in' ('en-') a 'tangled network' ('mesh') — that's why enmeshed means to be caught in a tangle.
Visually Confused Words
meshed
emersed