embroil

1 of 2

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

embroilment

2 of 2

noun

em·​broil·​ment -ȯi(ə)lmənt 

plural -s

1

: the act of embroiling or state of being embroiled

often : uproar, commotion, quarrel

an embroilment that led to a crowded police court the next morning

2

: entanglement, perplexity, involvement

trying to avoid embroilment in continental quarrels

Synonyms of embroil

Verb

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

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The show stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis and follows a family of law enforcement professionals who are embroiled in a conspiracy. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 24 June 2026

Absent from her Father’s Day post was a mention of her own father, the former Prince Andrew, who has been embroiled in scandal for years, the drama coming to a head earlier this year when he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 22 June 2026

By then, the company was already embroiled in litigation with the state. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

The case against Gómez is just the latest to embroil Sánchez’ inner circle. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to jumble, from Old French brooilier, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare — more at broil

Noun

French embrouillement, from embrouiller + -ment

First Known Use

Verb

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