verwickeln
Translation
to involve, to entangle, to embroil
Examples
Er wurde in einen Skandal verwickelt.
He was involved in a scandal.
Die Fäden haben sich verwickelt.
The threads got tangled.
Sie verwickelte ihn in ein Gespräch.
She engaged him in a conversation.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) ((in et4)) to involve (sb.) in (sth.) He involved me in his problems.
((sich)) ((in et4)) to get involved/entangled in (sth.) Don't get involved in other people's affairs.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verstricken, einbeziehen; Antonyms: entwirren, befreien.
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (often indicating a negative or complex outcome) and 'wickeln' (to wind, wrap). It literally means 'to wind wrongly', leading to 'entangle'.
Memory Tips
Picture a ball of yarn ('Wickel') that has been wound incorrectly ('ver-') and is now a tangled mess. This connects to 'entangle' and 'involve'.