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definitions

embattled

[em-bat-ld]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR embattled ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

disposed or prepared for battle.
engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

RELATED WORDS

beset, fortified, fighting, prepared, crenelated

Nearby words

  1. embarrassment of riches,
  2. embassador,
  3. embassage,
  4. embassy,
  5. embattle,
  6. embattlement,
  7. embay,
  8. embayment,
  9. embden,
  10. embden-meyerhof pathway

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

1
[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

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

embattle

2
[em-bat-l]

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

to furnish with battlements.

Origin of embattle

2
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

Examples from the Web for embattled

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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper