embroil

[ em-broil ]
See synonyms for embroil on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife.

  2. to throw into confusion; complicate.

Origin of embroil

1
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French embrouiller, equivalent to em- em-1 + brouiller “to quarrel”; see broil2

Other words from embroil

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use embroil in a sentence

  • We have received the Sangleys in their place, with whom the profit of the traffic always embroils us.

  • By its diplomacy it embroils the nation in quarrels with all the world, and then the army and navy are brought into play.

  • When this man lacks moral rectitude, progress only makes bad worse, and further embroils social problems.

    The Simple Life | Charles Wagner
  • It obtrudes itself even while the violins are preaching earthly peace, and eventually embroils them in its cry of discontent.

    Franz Liszt | James Huneker
  • Justice is without passion; but War lets loose all the worst passions, while "Chance, high arbiter, more embroils the fray."

British Dictionary definitions for embroil

embroil

/ (ɪmˈbrɔɪl) /


verb(tr)
  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

Origin of embroil

1
C17: from French embrouiller, from brouiller to mingle, confuse

Derived forms of embroil

  • embroiler, noun
  • embroilment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012