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

The bash, which reportedly cost a cool million, became a cautionary tale when Red Granite became embroiled in the 1MDB scandal — and dissolved in 2018. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025

Though organizers insist Eurovision is an apolitical event, the contest has long been embroiled in the continent’s tensions. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 May 2025

Both pizza heavyweights spent the majority of the 1990s embroiled in lengthy legal squabbles. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025

When all four women are arrested for drug use, they are bailed out by a local drug dealer named Alien (Franco) and quickly become embroiled in Alien's turf wars with other gang members in the area. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 14 May 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