enmesh

American  

[en-mesh] / ɛnˈmɛʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to catch, as in a net; entangle.

   He was enmeshed by financial difficulties.

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enmesh British  

/ ɪnˈmɛʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to catch or involve in or as if in a net or snare; entangle

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Other Word Forms

• enmeshment noun

Etymology

Origin of enmesh

First recorded in 1595–1605; en- ¹ + mesh

Explanation

To enmesh is to tangle or trap, the way a sea turtle might enmesh itself in a huge fishing net, or you might find yourself enmeshed in a long conversation with your talkative neighbor. You'll most often find the verb enmesh hidden within the phrase "be enmeshed in." Your kitten may get enmeshed in the snarl of yarn she's playing with — or your sister may become enmeshed in the fight between her two best friends. However you use this word, you'll find it equally appropriate for literal or figurative entanglements: "Don't enmesh me in your money making schemes!"

Example Sentences

In some of the book’s finest moments, Sheff explores her creative emergence, particularly her brash efforts to enmesh herself with Fluxus, the international art movement that celebrated the act of performance for performance’s sake.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2025

Not all bills before the committee Monday sought to enmesh religion with education.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Like Bernstein, he has achieved genuine civic stature — and like Bernstein, enough of one to occasionally enmesh him in controversy.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2023

Although her adventures eventually strain credulity, through her script — inspired by real events — Mihai manages to completely enmesh the viewer in a story that combines social drama with thriller, espionage and vigilante elements.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2022

So shall we slip the toils They are all madding to enmesh us in.

From The Dynasts by Hardy, Thomas

Related Words

• embroil
• ensnare
• entangle
• entrap
• implicate
• snare