embattled

[em-bat-ld]

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adjective

disposed or prepared for battle.

engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

Origin of embattled

1350–1400; Middle English; see embattle¹, -ed²; def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em-¹, en-¹

Related formsun·em·bat·tled, adjective

embattle

[em-bat-l]

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.).

Origin of embattle

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

embattle

[em-bat-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. 2019

Related Words for embattled

beset, fortified, fighting, prepared, crenelated

Examples from the Web for embattled

Contemporary Examples of embattled

In this nervous city in an embattled country, even small explosions can have a big impact.
Is Putin Turning to Terrorism in Ukraine?
Anna Nemtsova
January 6, 2015
When I tried to get to the embattled city on Tuesday evening, I faced repeated warnings not to try it.
The Radicals Who Slaughtered a Synagogue
Creede Newton
November 19, 2014
It is a valiant, encyclopedic attempt of a star jurist to give voice(s) to an embattled philosophical position.
All The Wrong Reasons to Ban Gay Unions
Jay Michaelson
November 7, 2014
He has a new book [Embattled Rebel] about Jefferson Davis as a commander in chief.
What Lincoln Could Teach Fox News
Scott Porch
November 6, 2014
In Illinois, embattled Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn lost his bid for re-election against Bruce Rauner.
GOP Shocks Democrats in Governor Races
Ben Jacobs
November 5, 2014

Historical Examples of embattled

This is what I likened to an embattled phalanx, once before.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
Embattled in the last corner of the world that was left to him.
The Street That Wasn't There
Clifford Donald Simak
The printer's boy had faced the embattled oligarchy, and had won.
The Tribune of Nova Scotia
W. L. (William Lawson) Grant
It is surmounted with an embattled parapet with a turret at each angle.
Exeter
Sidney Heath
They are the eyes and ears of the encamped or embattled host.
Incidents of the War: Humorous, Pathetic, and Descriptive
Alf Burnett

British Dictionary definitions for embattled

embattled

adjective

prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle

heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

embattle

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

Word Origin and History for embattled

adj.

"under attack," by 1882; earlier it meant "prepared to fight," and (of structures) "fitted with battlements;" past participle adjective from embattle (v.).

embattle

late 14c., "prepare for a fight," from Old French embataillier "to prepare for battle," from en- (see en- (1)) + bataille (see battle (n.)). Related: Embattled; embattling. Originally of armies; of individuals as well since 1590s (first attested in Spenser).