embroil
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to bring into discord or conflict; involve in contention or strife.
-
to throw into confusion; complicate.
verb
-
to involve (a person, oneself, etc) in trouble, conflict, or argument
-
to throw (affairs) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle
Other Word Forms
- embroiler noun
- embroilment noun
Etymology
Origin of embroil
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French embrouiller, equivalent to em- em- 1 + brouiller “to quarrel”; broil 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The couple was embroiled in a bitter and contentious court battle over spousal support.
From Los Angeles Times
His expulsion marked only the first of several controversies in which he would find himself embroiled, while also forging a historic career.
From Los Angeles Times
But the show has also been embroiled in controversy.
From BBC
Global footballers' union FIFPro says that seven players embroiled in a Malaysian national team eligibility scandal are themselves victims and their 12-month bans "grossly disproportionate".
From Barron's
A popping of the AI bubble would eliminate smaller players and lead to a widespread spending pullback, dismantling the current AI capex race that Big Tech companies are embroiled in.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
