embattle

¹ American  

[em-bat-l] / ɛmˈbæt l /

verb (used with object)

embattled, embattling

1. to furnish with battlements.

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embattle ² 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 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

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

Origin of embattle¹

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

Example Sentences

But that suspension was lifted this week by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is set to deliver a verdict on the fates of embattled athletes.

From BBC

He is known for his love of leading from near the front lines, including in raids on Russia-occupied Crimea or logistics operations around the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s east.

From The Wall Street Journal

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