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

Tina Knowles may have unintentionally sparked a firestorm online after a recent social media post was interpreted by some fans as subtle shade aimed at Nicki Minaj, who’s currently embroiled in a public tirade targeting son-in-law JAY-Z and, by extension, Beyoncé. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 July 2025

The governor has since been embroiled in public feuds on social media with the Trump administration regarding numerous policies. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

In Season 6, the spies will head out on the run as Diana Taverner (Scott Thomas) embroils them all in a fatally high-stakes game of retaliation and revenge. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 July 2025

Several voiced frustration that the programming has become embroiled in politics. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 8 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