wire entanglement

noun

1. a barbed-wire obstacle, usually mounted on posts and zigzagged back and forth along a front, designed to channel, delay, or halt an advance by enemy foot soldiers.

wire entanglement

noun

1. a barrier or obstruction of barbed wire used in warfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of wire entanglement¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

"This is the first barbed-wire entanglement," said Archer, as they approached.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole wire entanglement stood in a mass of rank undergrowth, through which the nose of the torpedo had to be forced.

From Project Gutenberg

This concealed trap arrangement was as complicated as a barbed-wire entanglement.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he lay flat, while the Germans fired round after round on the wire entanglement behind him.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately, he got stuck in the wire entanglement and was discovered.

From Project Gutenberg