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

Ben Sulayem has become embroiled in a number of controversies during a tenure marked by a series of high-profile departures of senior personnel. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 July 2025

Over the past decade, Zappa has been embroiled in legal issues regarding the Zappa family trust, which has resulted in ongoing turmoil for the family, per The Washington Post. —EW.com, 1 July 2025

He is not related to either individual and importantly, has not been embroiled in any similar scandals. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025

The Olympic gold medalist and Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, have been embroiled in a back-and-forth regarding transgender rights in sports. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 24 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