1. A twisted knot or snarl of thread, rope, fishing line, hair, etc.: Jim had to get the tangles out of the string before he could use it to tie up the package.
2. A condition of confusion or disorder: Elaine and Norbert were caught up in a legal tangle as they were arranging to buy a new house.
3. A disagreement or fight: The police got into a tangle with the speeding driver after he pulled over, because he wouldn't open the door and get out as instructed.

To cause or to become twisted together or intertwined, literally or figuratively: Carol's mother told her daughter not to tangle the yarn or she wouldn't be able to knit the sweater for her.

When Jim was fishing, he tangled his line and couldn't fish anymore until he untangled it.

Mark was being tangled in confusion about what the doctor was talking about.