embattle

verb

em·​bat·​tle im-ˈba-tᵊl 

embattled; embattling im-ˈba-tᵊl-iŋ 

-ˈbat-liŋ

transitive verb

1

: to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle

2

: fortify

Examples of embattle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On university campuses, the study of literature has been embattled and beleaguered for so long that chronicling the controversies has become a flourishing academic subfield in its own right. — A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 June 2023

The feature has embattled actor Jonathan Majors, who faces assault charges in New York, attached in the lead role. — Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2023

Meanwhile, front-running National Treasure seeks to get embattled trainer Bob Baffert his 18th victory in Triple Crown races, and his fourth Belmont. — Stephen Edelson, The Courier-Journal, 8 June 2023

Instead of a victory lap, the next three years were a slow and embattled process to craft a more serious follow-up, at a time when most artists were expected to release a new LP or two every year. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 2 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embatailen, from Anglo-French embatailler, from en- + batailler to battle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embattle

• battel
• battle
• brattle
• cattle
• chattel
• prattle
• rattle
• tattle
• striatal

Kids Definition

embattle

verb

em·​bat·​tle im-ˈbat-ᵊl 

embattled; embattling -ˈbat-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle

2

: fortify sense a