embattle

verb

em·​bat·​tle im-ˈba-tᵊl How to pronounce embattle (audio)
embattled; embattling im-ˈba-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce embattle (audio)
-ˈbat-liŋ
Synonyms of embattlenext

transitive verb

1
: to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle
2
: fortify

Examples of embattle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The feature has embattled actor Jonathan Majors, who faces assault charges in New York, attached in the lead role. — Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2023 Instead of a victory lap, the next three years were a slow and embattled process to craft a more serious follow-up, at a time when most artists were expected to release a new LP or two every year. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 2 June 2023 On university campuses, the study of literature has been embattled and beleaguered for so long that chronicling the controversies has become a flourishing academic subfield in its own right. — A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 June 2023 Ten months after being cited for shoplifting at the local Fred Meyer, embattled Brookings City Manager Janell Howard is on her way out of office. — Catalina Gaitan, oregonlive, 10 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for embattle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embatailen, from Anglo-French embatailler, from en- + batailler to battle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embattle was in the 14th century

Rhymes for embattle

See All Rhymes for embattle

Browse Nearby Words

embatholithic
embattle
embattled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embattle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

embattle

verb
em·​bat·​tle im-ˈbat-ᵊl How to pronounce embattle (audio)
embattled; embattling -ˈbat-liŋ How to pronounce embattle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle
2
: fortify sense a

More from Merriam-Webster on embattle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for embattle

Nglish: Translation of embattle for Spanish Speakers

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