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
- bog (down)
- broil
- embrangle
- mire
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 The ensuing debate — whether platforms should protect truth or free expression — would embroil the nation for years to come. 
Amanda J. Crawford, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2022 But a severe weather forecast for the weekend could embroil travel plans. Christine Chung, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2022 For resellers, failing to weed out even one fake item can embroil them in a costly and damaging legal battle. Tiffany Ap, Quartz, 21 May 2022 Two Bay Area lawmakers are leaders in the movement to not embroil the U.S. military in needless conflict. Tal Kopan, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Mar. 2022 Several art world professionals were similarly gun-shy, citing the experience of the estate’s authentication committee and their fear that publicly weighing in could embroil them in a lawsuit with the paintings’ current owners. New York Times, 16 Feb. 2022 Last week, Joe Biden tactlessly admitted that a minor incursion might embroil the U.S. in a fight with its allies about whether to do anything at all. WSJ, 25 Jan. 2022 But Turley and Goldsmith both pointed out that prosecuting Bannon could embroil the department in partisan politics. David Rohde, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2021 That same conversation will embroil coaches and programs in the playoff hunt, bringing unwanted distractions and attention as coaches preach the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2021 See More
Amanda J. Crawford, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2022 But a severe weather forecast for the weekend could embroil travel plans. Christine Chung, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2022 For resellers, failing to weed out even one fake item can embroil them in a costly and damaging legal battle. Tiffany Ap, Quartz, 21 May 2022 Two Bay Area lawmakers are leaders in the movement to not embroil the U.S. military in needless conflict. Tal Kopan, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Mar. 2022 Several art world professionals were similarly gun-shy, citing the experience of the estate’s authentication committee and their fear that publicly weighing in could embroil them in a lawsuit with the paintings’ current owners. New York Times, 16 Feb. 2022 Last week, Joe Biden tactlessly admitted that a minor incursion might embroil the U.S. in a fight with its allies about whether to do anything at all. WSJ, 25 Jan. 2022 But Turley and Goldsmith both pointed out that prosecuting Bannon could embroil the department in partisan politics. David Rohde, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2021 That same conversation will embroil coaches and programs in the playoff hunt, bringing unwanted distractions and attention as coaches preach the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2021 See More 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
embroil
verb
as in to tangle
to place in conflict or difficulties the town has been embroiled in controversy over the building of the huge shopping mall Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tangle
- trap
- enmesh
- broil
- mire
- entrap
- ensnare
- entangle
- embrangle
- bog (down)
- snare
- ensnarl
- immesh
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- liberate
- release
- free
- emancipate