Ensnarl

To catch or involve someone or something in a trap or entanglement, either physically or metaphorically. This can relate to literal situations like being caught in a physical snare or trap, or figurative circumstances like being caught in a web of deceit, a difficult situation, or a complex legal or emotional problem. The act of ensnarling implies restriction, preventing free movement or action, or the potential for damage or harm. It speaks to a loss of freedom, agency, or clear perspective.

Ensnarl meaning with examples

• The hiker, careless of his path, inadvertently stumbled into a thicket, his legs immediately ensnarled in thorny vines. He struggled, the more he fought the more he became trapped, the thorns cutting deeper until he finally managed to pull free.
• The company's aggressive acquisition strategy saw it slowly ensnarl its competitors, buying smaller firms and using their intellectual property, until it dominated the market through a complex web of interlocking contracts.
• Her life became ensnarled in a cycle of debt, each payment pulling her deeper into financial hardship. The high interest rates, the minimum payments, and the temptation to spend all prevented her from escaping the overwhelming burden.
• The detective's investigation quickly became ensnarled in bureaucratic red tape, the police department's internal politics slowing him down. His quest for justice was hamstrung by endless paperwork, interdepartmental conflicts, and questionable leadership decisions.
• The young artist, idealistic at first, found her creative process ensnarled by self-doubt and the pressure to conform to prevailing trends. She felt stifled by the expectations of galleries and criticism, ultimately hindering her original artistic expression.