disentangle

[dis-en-tang-guhl]

verb (used with or without object)

disentangled, disentangling 

1. to free or become free from entanglement; untangle; extricate (often followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms: disencumber, disembarrass

disentangle

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to release or become free from entanglement or confusion

2. (tr) to unravel or work out

Other Word Forms

• disentanglement noun
• disentangler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disentangle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dis- ¹ + entangle

Example Sentences

That coincided with rising industrialisation, when burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, began to heat up our atmosphere, but it's hard to disentangle natural and human causes that far back in time.

Read more on BBC

While Figgis’ documentary doesn’t dwell on the problem, “Megadoc” does arguably end up suffering because that ethical knot is never fully disentangled.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He has a domestic audience to keep happy, and many of his supporters backed him for his pledge to swiftly end the war and disentangle America from expensive foreign conflicts more generally.

Read more on BBC

And if you achieve some kind of success, it’s even more difficult to disentangle yourself from your job.

Read more on Salon

The Republican ran for re-election on the basis that he would disentangle America from conflicts overseas, and he has previously criticised US intervention in the Middle East.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• detach 
• disengage 
• emancipate 
• extricate 
• unravel 
• unscramble 
• untangle 
• untie