Snarled

To become tangled or knotted, especially in a complicated way, making it difficult or impossible to separate or disentangle. Figuratively, it can also describe a situation, process, or relationship that is complex, confused, and problematic. The word implies obstruction, difficulty, and a potential for conflict or frustration. It often suggests a degree of aggression or anger, particularly when used to describe animals or people. A snarled situation is often messy and may require careful and patient effort to resolve. The degree of tangledness varies, but a snarled situation generally impedes progress and requires resolution. The action can relate to things being literally tangled or metaphorically entwined, complicating any effort to untangle it.

Snarled meaning with examples

• The fishing line snarled around a submerged rock, halting his efforts for over an hour. He patiently worked to loosen the knot but feared the inevitable loss of his favorite lure. After much twisting and untangling, he eventually freed the line, resuming his fishing adventure.
• The traffic snarled during rush hour, making the commute to work frustrating. Cars inched forward and tempers flared as impatient drivers blared their horns. A minor accident added to the chaos and snarled traffic.
• The cat snarled at the dog and tried to claw and bite, defending its food bowl. Its fur stood on end, eyes narrowed in anger at the intruder and it bared its teeth, ready to protect its dinner.
• The politician's speech snarled the negotiation process between the countries. Accusations and insults were made, and the progress stopped. This was seen as a major challenge to the peace talks, and there was widespread concern that the process would break down.