embattle

¹

[ em-bat-l ]

verb (used with object)

, em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

1. to arrange in order of battle; prepare for battle; arm.
2. to fortify (a town, camp, etc.).

embattle

²

[ em-bat-l ]

verb (used with object)

, em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

1. to furnish with battlements.

embattle

/ ɪmˈbætəl /

verb

1. to deploy (troops) for battle
2. to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)
3. to provide (a building) with battlements

Word History and Origins

Origin of embattle¹

1350–1400; Middle English embatailen < Middle French embataillier. See em- ¹, battle ¹

Origin of embattle²

First recorded in 1350–1400, embattle is from the Middle English word embatailen. See em- ¹, battle ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of embattle¹

C14: from Old French embataillier; see en- ¹, battle

Example Sentences

SANTA ANA, California—In March 2019, after Michael Avenatti’s millions in debt had already made headlines, the embattled celebrity lawyer paid a visit to Geoffrey Johnson, a client he hadn’t seen in a while.

From The Daily Beast

With Belarus isolated by West, Putin embraces embattled Lukashenko For Belarus’s Lukashenko, Russia has been a lifeline for decades.

From Washington Post

His organization, Khalsa Aid, led humanitarian support to the embattled Yezidi in 2015, to Rohingya refugees in 2017, and to tsunami-stricken Indonesia in 2018.

From Time

On Monday, embattled Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made the decision to upend his cabinet, replacing six ministers.

From Time

Malaysia’s king declared a nationwide state of emergency for the first time in more than half a century, suspending parliament in a move that allows embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to avoid facing an election until the pandemic is over.

From Fortune

Against her Napoleon now prepared to embattle the might of his vast Empire.

From Project Gutenberg

And Douglas found the forces that were to embattle him drawing up in line.

From Project Gutenberg

The officers had been unable to make them embattle the walls.

From Project Gutenberg