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

They have been embroiled in a series of ethical controversies. —Andrew Binns, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Abarca was recently embroiled in legal domestic matters involving a charge of domestic battery, a restraining order by his wife, and custody of their 2-year-old son. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025

Six years ago, two school executives from the now defunct A3 charter school were embroiled in controversy. —Windi Eklund, Oc Register, 17 June 2025

In the series, Sherlock Holmes (played by David Thewlis) becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Red Thread criminal syndicate. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 15 June 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