What does "extricate" mean?

The term "extricate" means to free someone or something from entanglements or difficulties. It conveys the idea of removing obstacles or solving problems that have created a predicament. For example, if someone is stuck in a difficult situation, to extricate them would mean to help them get out of that situation.

The other options illustrate concepts that are contrary to the idea of extricating. Holding onto something tightly implies a sense of attachment or binding, which opposes the notion of freeing. Complicating matters suggests making a situation more difficult, again contrary to the idea of alleviating or solving problems. Making a situation worse further emphasizes the negative aspect, which is not what "extricate" conveys. Thus, the best interpretation of "extricate" is indeed to free from entanglements or difficulties.