embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
embroiled; embroiling; embroils

transitive verb

1
: to throw into disorder or confusion
2
: to involve in conflict or difficulties
embroiled in controversy
embroilment noun

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

His stand on this issue has embroiled him in controversy. The new drug has been embroiled in controversy. They were embroiled in a complicated lawsuit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He has been embroiled in controversies during his time in office, including taking a 2021 trip to Cancún, Mexico, when a devastating winter storm left millions of Texans without electricity. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024 In the lead-up to Election Day, Bezos and the Post became embroiled in controversy after the paper opted not to endorse a candidate in the presidential election for the first time in decades. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 The film, which is currently shooting on location, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 PredictIt, another prediction market embroiled in a legal fight with the CFTC, also offers election contracts while its case is ongoing. Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embroil 

Word History

Etymology

French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to jumble, from Old French brooilier, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare — more at broil

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroil was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near embroil

Cite this Entry

“Embroil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroil. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

embroil

verb
em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
1
: to throw into disorder or confusion
2
: to involve in conflict or difficulties
embroiled in a lawsuit
embroilment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embroil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!