embattle

¹

[em-bat-l]

verb (used with object)

embattled, embattling 

1. to arrange in order of battle; prepare for battle; arm.

2. to fortify (a town, camp, etc.).

embattle

²

[em-bat-l]

verb (used with object)

embattled, embattling 

1. to furnish with battlements.

embattle

/ ɪmˈbætəl /

verb

1. to deploy (troops) for battle

2. to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)

3. to provide (a building) with battlements

Word History and Origins

Origin of embattle¹

1350–1400; Middle English embatailen < Middle French embataillier. See em- ¹, battle ¹

Origin of embattle²

First recorded in 1350–1400, embattle is from the Middle English word embatailen. See em- ¹, battle ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of embattle¹

C14: from Old French embataillier; see _en- ¹ , _battle

Example Sentences

What emerges, then, is a story without history, within simplified parameters, meant to convey an embattled neighborhood without mentioning certain neighbors, free of any inconvenient perspectives.

From Los Angeles Times

That feels like a deliberate call-back to Look What You Made Me Do, written in 2017 when Swift was at her most embattled, following a public showdown with Kanye West and months of negative press.

From BBC

So too were right-handed veteran Blake Treinen and embattled left-handed closer Tanner Scott, who were major disappointments in late-inning roles this year but flashed some improvement in the final days of the regular season.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Dodgers’ roster discussions remain fluid, Roberts sure made it sound on Friday night like embattled closer Tanner Scott and rookie phenom Roki Sasaki will be on the playoff roster.

From Los Angeles Times

You just finished a book on global autocracy and our embattled democracies.

From Salon