Embroil, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Embroiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Embroiling.]
Etymology: [F. embrouiller; pref. em- (L. in) + brouiller. See 1st Broil, and cf. Imbroglio.]
1. To throw into confusion or commotion by contention or discord; to entangle in a broil or quarrel; to make confused; to distract; to involve in difficulties by dissension or strife. The royal house embroiled in civil war. Dryden.
2. To implicate in confusion; to complicate; to jumble. The Christian antiquities at Rome . . . are so embroiled with Addison.
Syn. -- To perplex; entangle; distract; disturb; disorder; trouble; implicate; commingle.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Embroil, n.
See Embroilment.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for embroil; he lists it under involve.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.