Main Entry: embattled

Function: adjective

Date: 15th century

1 a : ready to fight : prepared to give battle <here once the embattled farmers stood — R. W. Emerson> b : engaged in battle, conflict, or controversy <an embattled official accused of extortion>
2 a : being a site of battle, conflict, or controversy <the embattled capital> b : characterized by conflict or controversy <an embattled presidency>