Enmeshment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
The state of being entangled or caught in a complicated situation, often emotionally or psychologically.
Synonyms:
entanglement, involvement, ensnarement, intricacy
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
detachment, freedom
Common Collocations:
emotional enmeshment, family enmeshment, psychological enmeshment
Derivatives:
enmesh, enmeshed, enmeshing
Usage Tips:
Use "enmeshment" to describe overly close or entangled relationships where boundaries are unclear or unhealthy.
Common Phrases:
caught in enmeshment, cycle of enmeshment, signs of enmeshment
Etymology:
Derived from "en-" (cause to be) + "mesh" (entangle), first used in the early 20th century.
Examples:
- 1. Their relationship suffered from emotional enmeshment and lacked healthy boundaries.
- 2. Family enmeshment can make it hard for children to develop independence.
- 3. The therapist warned about the dangers of psychological enmeshment in codependent relationships.
- 4. She struggled to break free from the enmeshment with her overbearing parents.