entanglement

noun

en·​tan·​gle·​ment in-ˈtaŋ-gəl-mənt 

en-

1

a

: the action of entangling : the state of being entangled

b

: something that entangles, confuses, or ensnares

a project delayed by legal entanglements

2

: the condition of being deeply involved

their entanglement in politics

Synonyms

• tangle
• trap
• labyrinth
• web
• maze

Examples of entanglement in a Sentence

his life is greatly complicated by his romantic entanglements

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to vessel strikes, humpback whales face threats including fishing gear entanglement and ocean noise, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. —Paloma Chavez july 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025

Unlike classical computers, which process bits as 0s or 1s, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition and entanglement. —Leeor Shimron, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

An estimated 300,000 cetaceans — including whales and dolphins — die every year as a result of entanglements in fishing gear, according to the Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025

In this method, two photons enter a state of entanglement. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing entanglement

• quantum entanglement