Ravel -verb (used with object)1.to disentangle or unravel the threads or fibers of (a woven or knitted fabric, rope, etc.).
2.to tangle or entangle.
3.to involve; confuse; perplex.
4.to make clear; unravel (often fol. by out).
-verb (used without object)
5.to become disjoined thread by thread or fiber by fiber; fray.
6.to become tangled.
7.to become confused or perplexed.
8.(of a road surface) to lose aggregate.
-noun.a tangle or complication.
ravel1580s, "to untangle, unwind," also "to become tangled or confused,"from Du. ravelen "to tangle, fray, unweave," from ravel "frayed thread." The seemingly contradictory senses of this word ( ravel and unravel are both synonyms and antonyms) are reconciled by its roots in weaving and sewing: as threads become unwoven, they get tangled.