Enmeshed

To be caught in or entangled in something, either literally or figuratively. This can refer to being trapped physically, involved deeply in a complicated situation, or caught up in a network of relationships or beliefs. Often implies a state of being difficult to escape or disentangle from, due to complexity, emotional investment, or external constraints. The implication is that one is limited by the surrounding constraints. This can be a feeling of not having a choice, not being able to see a way out, or a dependency of the current scenario.

Enmeshed meaning with examples

• The hiker found himself enmeshed in thick, thorny bushes, struggling to free himself from their grip. He had to use a stick he found on the ground to help get loose, scraping off the painful pricks from the harsh foliage. He realized it was the wrong way to head back.
• Sarah felt enmeshed in a web of workplace politics, constantly navigating backstabbing and power struggles. No matter what she tried it always came back to the same result: politics were more important than work ethics, for her current job.
• The community became enmeshed in a cycle of poverty, lacking opportunities and struggling to break free from the economic restraints. They lacked any help from external forces and were forced to band together for their survival.
• The protagonist became enmeshed in a complex legal battle, spending years and accumulating debt as it dragged on endlessly. His family began falling apart as the court battles took priority. The case had no end in sight.
• After years of the abuse, the victim felt enmeshed in a relationship where leaving felt impossible, despite her deep desire for freedom. Her mental health steadily deteriorated as she lost her ability to reason.