disentangle

verb dis·en·tan·gle \ˌdis-in-ˈtaŋ-gəl\

: to separate (things that are twisted together or caught on one another)

: to remove the twists or knots in (something)

Full Definition of DISENTANGLE

transitive verb

: to free from entanglement : unravel

intransitive verb

: to become disentangled

— dis·en·tan·gle·ment \-mənt\ noun

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First Known Use of DISENTANGLE

1598

Related to DISENTANGLE

Synonyms: unravel, ravel (out), unbraid, unlay, unsnarl, untangle, untwine, untwist, unweave

Antonyms: entangle, snarl, tangle

Synonym Discussion of DISENTANGLE

extricate, disentangle, untangle, disencumber, disembarrass mean to free from what binds or holds back. extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation <extricated himself from financial difficulties>. disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things <disentangling fact from fiction> <untangle a web of deceit>. disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down <an article disencumbered of jargon>. disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders <disembarrassed herself of her advisers>.

DISENTANGLEMENT Defined for Kids