embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l 

embroiled; embroiling; embroils

transitive verb

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in controversy

embroilment

im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• bog (down)
• broil
• embrangle
• mire

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

His stand on this issue has embroiled him in controversy.

The new drug has been embroiled in controversy.

They were embroiled in a complicated lawsuit.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the high-octane clip, the stars get embroiled in a series of mysterious events, with the Weeknd playing a version of himself. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 4 Feb. 2025

The company has been embroiled in legal drama since last year, when Nintendo filed a lawsuit in Tokyo claiming Palworld infringed on its copyright. —Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025

Arsenal had spent the summer embroiled in the pursuit of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

She’s currently embroiled in the battle between new and old money on HBO’s The Gilded Age (2022–2023). —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to jumble, from Old French brooilier, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare — more at broil

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l 

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in a lawsuit

embroilment

-mənt 

noun