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

While Tesla has fewer direct contracts, it has been embroiled in multiple federal investigations and regulatory actions that could be dialed back once Trump takes office. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024

The only remaining scenario that embroils Congress in the choice of a President is if no candidate wins a majority of the Electoral College. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

Likely because the Democratic establishment believes that a hard stance would lead to Washington embroiled in another Middle East war, unable to refocus on China, Russia and other strategic threats. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Robinson has been just embroiled in scandal, really problematic for Republicans. —ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024

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