embattled

[ em-bat-ld ]

adjective

1. disposed or prepared for battle.
2. engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

embattled

/ ɪmˈbætəld /

adjective

1. prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
2. heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

Other Words From

• unem·battled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of embattled¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; embattle ¹, -ed ²; embattled def 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em- ¹, en- ¹

Example Sentences

Time’s Up CEO Tina Tchen has stepped down from the embattled women’s group following multiple exposes on the organization’s conflicts of interest and internal divisions.

From The Daily Beast

Now, her grip on the embattled organization may be in peril.

From The Daily Beast

The gunmen fatally shot President Moïse, an embattled leader mired in corruption scandals, and wounded his wife, but left without injuring any members of the presidential guard—raising suspicion about why they faced so little resistance.

From Time

Apple Daily, Hong Kong’s embattled pro-democracy tabloid that has been one of Beijing’s most vocal critics, is bidding an earlier-than-expected farewell to the city.

From Quartz

It reads like the final speech of an embattled campaign, when the candidate acknowledges the scandal, praises his staff, thanks his supporters and walks off the stage.

From Washington Post

In this nervous city in an embattled country, even small explosions can have a big impact.

From The Daily Beast

The official spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to harm future access to those embattled communities.

From The Daily Beast

When I tried to get to the embattled city on Tuesday evening, I faced repeated warnings not to try it.

From The Daily Beast

It is a valiant, encyclopedic attempt of a star jurist to give voice(s) to an embattled philosophical position.

From The Daily Beast

He has a new book [Embattled Rebel] about Jefferson Davis as a commander in chief.

From The Daily Beast

It consists of a nave of four bays, a south aisle, chancel, and massive western embattled tower.

From Project Gutenberg

Coity church, dating from the 14th century, is a fine cruciform building with central embattled tower in Early Decorated style.

From Project Gutenberg

The banner of Laon represented two embattled towers, between which rose a naked sword.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll get you yet," he said, pointing a finger at the embattled Stover.

From Project Gutenberg

The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, is old and interesting, with an ivy-covered embattled western tower.

From Project Gutenberg