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

South Korean A-list actor Kim Soo-hyun has been embroiled in controversy over his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who died in an apparent suicide in February. —Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

For the past year and a half, the family has been embroiled in a legal battle with Aledo ISD. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025

The former costars have been embroiled in a legal back-and-forth in the months since, and their trial is scheduled for a year from now on March 9, 2026. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

A little over five months later, Smith and LeBron Sr. are embroiled in a public spat, going from podcast to television show to publicly insult each other. —Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 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

Rhymes for embroil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• trefoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

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