embroil

[ em-broil ]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife.
2. to throw into confusion; complicate.

embroil

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪl /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• emˈbroilment, noun
• emˈbroiler, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French embrouiller, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + brouiller “to quarrel”; broil ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

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

Example Sentences

This would embroil him with his neighbors, and make central Europe secure while France was fighting Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

Would it make her heart lighter to have you embroil yourself for her sake?

From Project Gutenberg

I acknowledge that Heaven has not given me your talent, and that I have not the brains like you to embroil myself with justice.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore the slave-owners who had gained possession of your Government hated her, insulted her, tried to embroil you with her.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not my business to embroil matters between the two countries; quite otherwise.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• enmesh
• ensnare
• entangle
• implicate
• involve
• mire
• tangle