What does "embroil" mean?
A state of confusion or uproar; a commotion, a disturbance; also, a quarrel.
Embroil
/ɪmˈbɹɔɪl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A state of confusion or uproar; a commotion, a disturbance; also, a quarrel.
- Grammar: embroil is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: agitate, bug, complicate, convulse.
- Useful contrasts: avoid, clarify, disembroil.
- Usage evidence: Rumor next and Chance, / And Tumult and Confuſion all imbroild, / And Diſcord with a thouſand various mouths.
How to use "embroil"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "embroil" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "embroil" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "embroil" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "embroil" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "embroil" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "agitate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "embroil", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A state of confusion or uproar; a commotion, a disturbance; also, a quarrel. obsolete, transitive
- 2 A state of anxiety or disturbance of the mind. obsolete, transitive
Verb
- 1 To bring (something) into a state of confusion or uproar; to complicate, to confuse, to jumble. transitive
"Rumor next and Chance, / And Tumult and Confuſion all imbroild, / And Diſcord with a thouſand various mouths."
- 2 To set (something) on fire; to burn (something). obsolete, rare, transitive
"Indeed if vve vvill be building our Babels, and thus aſſault Omnipotence, 'tis but juſt vve ſhould have our language confounded, and that that knovvledge for vvhich vve boldly attempt to rifle Gods cabinet, ſhould like the Coal from the Altar, ſerve only to embroil and conſume the ſacrilegious invaders."
- 3 force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action wordnet
- 4 To cause (someone) to be drawn into or involved in a difficult situation or state of contention. transitive
"Avoid him. He will embroil you in his fights."
Antonyms
Example
"Rumor next and Chance, / And Tumult and Confuſion all imbroild, / And Diſcord with a thouſand various mouths."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "embroil"?
Common synonyms include: agitate, bug, complicate, convulse, discompose, disorder.
How do you use "embroil" in a sentence?
Rumor next and Chance, / And Tumult and Confuſion all imbroild, / And Diſcord with a thouſand various mouths.
How do you pronounce "embroil"?
Pronounced /ɪmˈbɹɔɪl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
PIE word *h₁én The verb is borrowed from French embrouiller (“to entangle”), from em- (a variant of en- (prefix meaning ‘in; into’)) + 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 is derived from the verb. Cognates * Italian imbrogliare * Spanish embrollar
Etymology 2
From em- (a variant of en- (intensifying prefix)) + broil (“to expose to great heat; (obsolete) to burn”) (from Late Middle English broilen, brulen (“to burn; to scorch, singe; (cooking) to broil, grill”); further etymology uncertain, possibly from Old French bruler, bruillir, brusler (“to burn”) (modern French brûler), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw-, *bʰrew- (“to boil; to brew”)).