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

Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office. —Time, 24 Apr. 2025

Colombia, which has recently been embroiled in a dispute with the U.S. over President Donald Trump's policies on immigration and tariffs, has been beset by drug cartels and violence. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025

Then there’s Junior’s wife, Morgan, who gets embroiled in the drama. —Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

In 2019, Elissa Leonard, Powell’s wife, became embroiled in a controversy over a new Chevy Chase dog park. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Apr. 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