verb
embroil
Embroil (verb) means to throw something into confusion or disorder.
verb
1
To throw something into confusion or disorder.
2
To draw someone into a difficult or contentious situation.
"Eurostar, which has had a monopoly from the outset in 1994, is currently embroiled in controversy over its decision not to restart services to Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations, because of what it claims is a lack of demand."
— Howard Johnston, Network News: Autumn verdict on expanding St Pancras capacity (2024)
"Avoid him. He will embroil you in his fights."
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Etymology
PIE word *h₁én. The verb was borrowed from French embrouiller ("to entangle"), from em- (a variant of en-, meaning 'in; into') plus brouiller ("to confuse, mix up") — ultimately from Vulgar Latin *brodiculāre, from *brodicāre, from Late Latin brodium ("broth, stew; mixture"), from Frankish *broþ ("broth"), from Proto-Germanic *bruþą ("stock, broth"), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰrewh₁- ("to boil; to brew"). The noun derives from the verb. It is cognate with Italian imbrogliare and Spanish embrollar.
Related words
Rhymes for embroil
See all rhymes for embroil →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of embroil?
"embroil" (verb) means to throw something into confusion or disorder.
What is another word for embroil?
Other words for "embroil" include tangle, drag, sweep.
What is the opposite of embroil?
Opposites of "embroil" include separate, organize, extricate.
What are the different meanings of embroil?
"embroil" has 2 main meanings: 1. To throw something into confusion or disorder; 2. To draw someone into a difficult or contentious situation.
