embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
embroiled; embroiling; embroils

transitive verb

1
: to throw into disorder or confusion
2
: to involve in conflict or difficulties
embroiled in controversy
embroilment noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while Donald Trump getting earshot gave us one of 2024’s biggest conspiracy theories, Kate Middleton became embroiled in her own media scandal. Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 Adidas also remains embroiled in a long-running multinational trademark battle with Thom Browne regarding the use of stripes. Lily Templeton, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024 This means that instead of simplicity, customers become embroiled in a very low-agility, low-visibility, slow process that is costly in terms of both time and money. Jeppe Rindom, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 The fact that the South Pacific slave trade arose just as the United States became embroiled in a conflict over slavery is no coincidence. Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embroil 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroil was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near embroil

Cite this Entry

“Embroil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroil. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

embroil

verb
em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
1
: to throw into disorder or confusion
2
: to involve in conflict or difficulties
embroiled in a lawsuit
embroilment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embroil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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