embroil

[ em-broil ]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife.
2. to throw into confusion; complicate.

embroil

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪl /

verb

1. to involve (a person, oneself, etc) in trouble, conflict, or argument
2. to throw (affairs) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle

Derived Forms

• emˈbroilment, noun
• emˈbroiler, noun

Other Words From

• em·broil·er noun
• em·broil·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French embrouiller, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + brouiller “to quarrel”; broil ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

C17: from French embrouiller, from brouiller to mingle, confuse

Example Sentences

The IDF is now embroiled in war both in Gaza and Lebanon, at enormous cost to civilian life.

From Salon

The celebrity status of top footballers has led to calls for players who become embroiled in criminal allegations to be suspended until it has been fully investigated.

From BBC

Both also backed their incumbent council member, Kevin de León, who was embroiled in controversy for his part in a 2022 scandal involving a leaked audio recording with colleagues that contained incendiary remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

After some digging it emerged both the organiser and the purported Satoshi were currently embroiled in a complex legal fight over fraud allegations - linked to claims to be Satoshi.

From BBC

In the first few minutes he was so embroiled in the game he was halfway across Cooper’s technical area before he was guided back to his own by fourth official Michael Salisbury.

From BBC

Related Words

• enmesh
• ensnare
• entangle
• implicate
• involve
• mire
• tangle