enmesh

American

[en-mesh] / ɛnˈmɛʃ /

verb (used with object)

to catch, as in a net; entangle.

He was enmeshed by financial difficulties.

enmesh British

/ ɪnˈmɛʃ /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

enmeshment noun

Etymology

Origin of enmesh

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

I’ve never really made a concerted effort to enmesh myself in queer nightlife, but now I feel compelled to do it because I want to support those businesses, and community feels more important than ever.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

That in turn would enmesh Israel in the unwanted drudgery of day-to-day governance, an outcome Israel wanted to avoid, he said.

From New York Times • May 21, 2021

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

From The Dynasts by Hardy, Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023