Betanglement

/bɪˈtæŋɡəlmənt/ noun

Definition

The state or condition of being badly tangled or completely ensnared; a complicated twisted mess.

Etymology

From 'betangle' + the suffix '-ment' (from Latin '-mentum,' forming abstract nouns). Creates a noun describing the result or state of thorough entanglement.

Kelly Says

'-ment' is one of English's favorite ways to turn verbs into nouns (think 'excitment,' 'management,' 'development'), and 'betanglement' is a perfect example of how old word-formation rules produced vivid, specific nouns.

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