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

• tangle
• trap
• broil
• bog (down)
• enmesh

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

The dynamics could embroil the 2026 midterm campaign in legislative and court battles testing Trump's power over the Republican Party, Democrats' ability to mount opposition and the durability of the U.S. system of federalism that balances power between Washington and individual states. —Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2025

Still, if Harry and Meghan do return to the UK, they likely won’t be welcomed back by Harry’s older brother, Prince William, who has been embroiled in a feud with his sibling for years. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 2025

Rollins is embroiled in a major feud with CM Punk, who is married to…AJ Lee. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Morris is currently embroiled in another lawsuit out of Tarrant County. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 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