tangle
UK/'tæŋg(ə)l/US/'tæŋgl/
IELTSTOEFLGREC2
Definitions
v.
To twist together into a knotted, confused mass
（使）缠结，纠缠
v.
To get into a quarrel or fight with someone
与……争执，发生冲突
n.
A knotted mass; a confused or complicated situation
乱结；混乱局面
Root Breakdown
Native English=tangle
tangle reached English from Scandinavian roots; in this family it is grouped under tact because of the strong overlap of form and the "touch/twist together" sense. To tangle is to twist things until they touch and knot; figuratively, to tangle with someone is to get caught up in conflict with them.
Root tact still carries 52 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.get tangled up缠在一起
- 2.tangle with someone与某人发生冲突
- 3.a tangle of wires一团乱线
- 4.legal tangle法律纠纷
Example Sentences
- 1.
The kitten managed to tangle the entire ball of yarn.
- 2.
You don't want to tangle with the tax authorities.
- 3.
Her hair was a tangle after the windy walk.