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

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

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