embattled
Americanadjective
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disposed or prepared for battle.
-
engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.
adjective
-
prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
-
heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of embattled
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see embattle 1, -ed 2; embattled def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em- 1, en- 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The military is crucial to many here, given the country’s embattled status.
From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026
By Monday evening, footage of the protests had made its way into his stump speech for embattled Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas, where video clips had already been screened for rallygoers.
From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026
We've Won It All', a gesture of support for the embattled chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
Frasers Group, the retail conglomerate founded by British billionaire Mike Ashley, bought a stake in embattled sportswear brand Under Armour.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
That was the face which, when she saw it at all, was across his own dining table—the face of a foe who did, not even know that it was embattled.
From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner
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