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 embattle²

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

Example Sentences

Those raids have further threatened a health care system in the embattle territory that is struggling to cope with the fallout from the war.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2024

Hunting out two aggressive spiders, he would embattle them and watch with glee through a magnifying glass.

From Time Magazine Archive

The ‘licentia crenellare’ of the middle ages was the sovereign’s permission to his nobles to embattle or fortify their mansions.

From The Curiosities of Heraldry by Lower, Mark Antony

He pursued his way over the craigs; through the valley, and across the river, to the cliffs which embattle the garden of Ellerslie.

From The Scottish Chiefs by Porter, Jane

If we be not reliev'd within this hour, We must return to thecourt of guard: the night Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle By the second hour i' the morn.

From Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare, William