Embroiled: meaning, definitions and examples

This is used when someone is deeply involved in a complicated or difficult situation, typically one that involves conflict or controversy.

• She found herself embroiled in a legal dispute with her former employer
• He was embroiled in a heated argument

Used when someone or something is caught in a complex or difficult situation, often one that is hard to escape from. Can be physical or metaphorical.

• The fish got entangled in the net
• She became entangled in office politics

Often used in active voice situations when someone or something causes another person to become involved in conflict or difficulties.

• They tried to embroil him in their dispute
• The scandal embroiled several high-profile politicians

Used when someone is shown to be involved in a crime or serious issue, often by connecting evidence. Usually in relation to wrongdoing. Negative connotation.

• The evidence implicated him in the robbery
• His emails implicated several colleagues in the scandal

Used in a broad sense to describe someone participating in or being a part of an activity, event, or situation. Neutral connotation.

• She wants to involve the community in the project
• The job will involve a lot of travel

Used when someone is trapped or caught in a problem or negative situation, often through deceit or trickery. Negative connotation.

• The con artist ensnared the tourists in a scam
• He was ensnared by her charm and deception

Use this word when someone is deeply involved in a complicated situation, usually a conflict or controversy.

• She got embroiled in the office politics, making it hard for her to focus on her work

Use this word when someone is stating that another person has done something wrong or illegal.

• He was accused of stealing company funds

Use this word when someone is shown to be involved in a crime or wrongdoing, often based on evidence or suggestion.

• Evidence found at the scene implicated him in the robbery

Use this word when there is evidence that suggests someone is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, often leading to suspicion.

• The discovered fingerprints might incriminate them in the heist

Use this word in a legal context when someone is officially accused of committing a crime.

• She was charged with fraud after the lengthy investigation

Use this word when someone claims that another person has done something wrong, but there is no proof yet.

• The journalist alleged that the politician had accepted bribes