verb

extricate

EHKS-trih-kayt

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Extricate (verb) means to free someone or something from a difficult, entangled, or awkward situation. Example: “It took firefighters over an hour to extricate the driver from the wreckage.”

verb

To free someone or something from a difficult, entangled, or awkward situation.

"It took firefighters over an hour to extricate the driver from the wreckage."

"She tried to extricate herself from the conversation politely."

How to use extricate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get yourself or someone else out of a tricky, tangled, or stuck situation.

Easily confused with

intricate →

Common pairings

extricate oneself extricate from the wreckage

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: extricates
Past tense: extricated

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It took firefighters over an hour to _____ the driver from the wreckage.

Etymology

From Latin extrīcāre, related to "intricate" — the opposite process, essentially "un-tangling."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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untangle disentangle disencumber

Antonyms

entangle embroil

Related words

explain mix involve resolve organize sweep mat confuse

Rhymes for extricate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for extricate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “extricate” mean?

The word “extricate” means to free someone or something from a difficult, entangled, or awkward situation. In plain terms, to get yourself or someone else out of a tricky, tangled, or stuck situation.

How do you pronounce “extricate”?

“Extricate” is pronounced EHKS-trih-kayt (/ˈɛks.tɹɪ.keɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “extricate” in a sentence?

Here is “extricate” used in a sentence: “It took firefighters over an hour to extricate the driver from the wreckage.”

What part of speech is “extricate”?

“Extricate” is a verb.

Where does the word “extricate” come from?

The word “extricate” comes from Latin. From Latin extrīcāre, related to "intricate" — the opposite process, essentially "un-tangling.".

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