Dictionary

extricate

verb ex·tri·cate \ˈek-strə-ˌkāt\

: to free or remove (someone or something) from something (such as a trap or a difficult situation)

ex·tri·cat·edex·tri·cat·ing

Full Definition of EXTRICATE

transitive verb
1
a archaic :  unravel
b :  to distinguish from a related thing
2
:  to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty
ex·tri·ca·ble \ik-ˈstri-kə-bəl, ek-ˈ, ˈek-(ˌ)\ adjective
ex·tri·ca·tion \ˌek-strə-ˈkā-shən\ noun
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Origin of EXTRICATE

Latin extricatus, past participle of extricare, from ex- + tricae trifles, perplexities
First Known Use: 1601

Synonym Discussion of EXTRICATE

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>.

Rhymes with EXTRICATE

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EXTRICATE Defined for Kids

extricate

verb ex·tri·cate \ˈek-strə-ˌkāt\
ex·tri·cat·edex·tri·cat·ing

Definition of EXTRICATE for Kids

:  to free from a trap or difficulty

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