imbroglio

im·bro·glio

noun \im-ˈbrōl-(ˌ)yō\

plural im·bro·glios

Definition of IMBROGLIO

1

: a confused mass

2

a : an intricate or complicated situation (as in a drama or novel) b : an acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding c : a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation : embroilment d : scandal 3a <survived the political imbroglio>

Examples of IMBROGLIO

1. <a celebrated imbroglio involving some big names in the New York literary scene>

Origin of IMBROGLIO

Italian, from imbrogliare to entangle, from Middle French embrouiller — more at embroil

First Known Use: 1750

Related to IMBROGLIO

Synonyms: altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, argument, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Related Words: clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle; logomachy; feud, vendetta; attack, contention, dissension (also dissention); debate, difference, disputation; fuss, objection, protest, protestation; affray [chiefly British], fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée); catfight

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