embattle

¹ American  

[em-bat-l] / ɛmˈbæt 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.).

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embattle ² American  

[em-bat-l] / ɛmˈbæt l /

verb (used with object)

embattled, embattling

1. to furnish with battlements.

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embattle British  

/ ɪmˈbætəl /

verb

1. to deploy (troops) for battle

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

3. to provide (a building) with battlements

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Etymology

Origin of embattle¹

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

Origin of embattle¹

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

Example Sentences

Bicentennial, which followed “a decade of racial tensions, assassinations, scandal, rising inflation, embattled campuses and eroding public trust,” also privileged heritage over history.

From Salon

Shopkeepers in the capital shut their stores on Monday, after Iran's embattled currency hit new lows on the unofficial market.

From Barron's

Some shopkeepers in Tehran shut their stores for the second day in a row Monday in protest against economic hardships and sharp swings in Iran's embattled currency, media reports said.

From Barron's

World leaders arrived by rail in Kyiv to pledge support for the embattled country.

From The Wall Street Journal

The verdict, delivered in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya, is the second blow in the same week to the embattled former leader, who has been imprisoned since 2022.

From BBC