embattle

[ em-bat-l ]

/ ɛmˈbæt l /

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See synonyms for: embattle / embattled on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

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

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of embattle

1350–1400; Middle English embatailen<Middle French embataillier.See em-¹, battle¹

Words nearby embattle

embarrassing, embarrassment, embarrassment of riches, embassage, embassy, embattle, embattled, embattlement, embay, embayment, Embden

Other definitions for embattle (2 of 2)

embattle²

[ em-bat-l ]

/ ɛmˈbæt l /

verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

to furnish with battlements.

Origin of embattle

First recorded in 1350–1400, embattle is from the Middle English word embatailen.See em-¹, battle²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use embattle in a sentence

SANTA ANA, California—In March 2019, after Michael Avenatti’s millions in debt had already made headlines, the embattled celebrity lawyer paid a visit to Geoffrey Johnson, a client he hadn’t seen in a while.
Avenatti Grills Paraplegic Client He Allegedly Stole From: ‘Did You Appreciate Me?’|Kate Briquelet, Meghann Cuniff|July 22, 2021|The Daily Beast
With Belarus isolated by West, Putin embraces embattled Lukashenko For Belarus’s Lukashenko, Russia has been a lifeline for decades.
Putin questions U.S. prosecution of Capitol rioters, saying mob carried only ‘political requests’|Isabelle Khurshudyan|June 4, 2021|Washington Post
His organization, Khalsa Aid, led humanitarian support to the embattled Yezidi in 2015, to Rohingya refugees in 2017, and to tsunami-stricken Indonesia in 2018.
In India, Civil Society Groups Fill the Void as the Government Fails to Confront COVID-19|Simran Jeet Singh|May 14, 2021|Time
On Monday, embattled Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made the decision to upend his cabinet, replacing six ministers.
The Week Brazil Went Off the Rails|Ian Bremmer|April 4, 2021|Time

Malaysia’s king declared a nationwide state of emergency for the first time in more than half a century, suspending parliament in a move that allows embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to avoid facing an election until the pandemic is over.
Malaysia’s emergency declaration means prime minister can dodge election until pandemic ends|Claire Zillman, reporter|January 12, 2021|Fortune
Against her Napoleon now prepared to embattle the might of his vast Empire.
The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)|John Holland Rose
And Douglas found the forces that were to embattle him drawing up in line.
Children of the Market Place|Edgar Lee Masters
The officers had been unable to make them embattle the walls.
History of the Commune of 1871|P. Lissagary

British Dictionary definitions for embattle

embattle

/ (ɪmˈbætəl) /

verb (tr)

to deploy (troops) for battle

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

to provide (a building) with battlements

Word Origin for embattle

C14: from Old French embataillier; see en- 1, battle

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

embattle

Origin of embattle

Words nearby embattle

Other definitions for embattle (2 of 2)

Origin of embattle

Words related to embattle

How to use embattle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for embattle

Word Origin for embattle