Definition

To free someone or something from a difficult situation or entanglement.

Example

The rescue team worked hard to extricate the trapped hikers from the cave.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I got stuck in my old car yesterday, and it was such a hassle.

Oh no! How did you manage to extricate yourself from that situation?

I had to call a friend to help me out; it took a while to get it sorted.

Glad you got it fixed; those situations can be really frustrating!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extricate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "tricare" (meaning to entangle or to handle). The word "extricate" means to free or remove something from a difficult situation or entanglement.

Memory Tip

Think of getting something 'out of' ('ex-') an 'entanglement' ('tricare') — that's how you remember that extricate means to free something from a difficult situation.

Visually Confused Words