embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l 

embroiled; embroiling; embroils

transitive verb

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in controversy

embroilment

im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• bog (down)
• broil
• embrangle
• mire

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

China is also seen as a key backer of Myanmar’s junta, which is embroiled in a civil war. —Colin Meyn, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025

Polis also acknowledged a coming legislative fight that his office is already embroiled in: Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday to reform a provision of Colorado’s labor law that doesn’t exist in any other state, requiring a second union election related to dues. —Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025

Meantime, Sasaki can choose among several other MLB clubs whose shareholders aren’t embroiled in a legal fight. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, is currently embroiled in one of the most contentious local controversies on the issue. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l 

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in a lawsuit

embroilment

-mənt 

noun