disentangle

American  

[dis-en-tang-guhl] / ˌdɪs ɛnˈtæŋ gəl /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of disentangle

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

Example Sentences

But the more we rely on this power, the more our rivals aim to disentangle their economies from our own.

From The Wall Street Journal

She disentangled herself from the sobbing widow, and the little pink circles of her cheeks turned pale as she examined the ruined shoulder of her dress.

From Literature

But questions have also been raised about whether they can disentangle themselves from their parents' mess.

From BBC

Ghosting is uncanny not only because it deprives us of certain codified social rituals for disentangling our relationships.

From The Wall Street Journal

Policymakers are trying to disentangle whether a slowdown in monthly job gains reflects fewer people entering the country and seeking jobs or, instead, a drop in demand for workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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