embattled

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

adjective

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

QUIZZES

HEED THE VOX POPULI, AND TAKE THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

Test your memory on these verbal firecrackers from the week of June 29 to July 5!
Question 1 of 7
anchorite
a granular metamorphic rock.
a person who has retired to a solitary place for a life of religious seclusion.
a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

OTHER WORDS FROM embattled

un·em·bat·tled, adjective

Words nearby embattled

embarrassment of riches, embassador, embassage, embassy, embattle, embattled, embattlement, embay, embayment, embden, embden-meyerhof pathway

Definition for embattled (2 of 3)

embattle1
[ em-bat-l ]
/ ɛmˈbæt 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

Definition for embattled (3 of 3)

embattle2
[ em-bat-l ]
/ ɛmˈbæt 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. 2020

Words related to embattled

beset, fortified, fighting, prepared, crenelated

Example sentences from the Web for embattled

British Dictionary definitions for embattled (1 of 2)

embattled
/ (ɪmˈbætəld) /

adjective

prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

British Dictionary definitions for embattled (2 of 2)

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