embroil

[em-broil]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife.

2. to throw into confusion; complicate.

embroil

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪl /

verb

1. to involve (a person, oneself, etc) in trouble, conflict, or argument

2. to throw (affairs) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle

Other Word Forms

• embroilment noun
• embroiler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French embrouiller, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + brouiller “to quarrel”; broil ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroil¹

C17: from French embrouiller, from brouiller to mingle, confuse

Example Sentences

Even though Bryan has said he does not think of himself as a country act and makes a point of avoiding affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican party, he is still embroiled in controversy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But her ability to manage her finances is not your responsibility, and we risk embroiling you further in her emotional blackmail and psychological pinball machine by discussing her money troubles.

Read more on MarketWatch

Yet he was embroiled in an ugly legal conflict with a neighbor in his apartment complex that included accusations of abuse and drug use.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"He's got the credibility and experience having been embroiled in the Middle East for 24 years," he said.

Read more on BBC

Paetongtarn was embroiled in controversy after Cambodian leader Hun Sen leaked a phone call he had with her over the Thai-Cambodia border conflict, in which she was heard addressing him as "uncle".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• enmesh 
• ensnare 
• entangle 
• implicate 
• involve 
• mire 
• tangle