Embroilment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embroilment

[ษชmหˆbrษ”ษชlmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in conflict

A complicated or confused situation involving conflict or misunderstanding.

Synonyms

entanglement, entrapment, involvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embroilment

Embroilment is typically used to describe a situation where someone is deeply involved in a conflict, argument, or difficult situation, often unwillingly. It has a negative connotation.

  • The company found itself in an embroilment with the local authorities over environmental regulations.
  • She avoided getting involved in the embroilment between her feuding friends.
entanglement

Entanglement refers to being caught in a complex and difficult situation from which it is hard to escape. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses and usually has a slightly negative or neutral tone.

  • His romantic entanglement with his coworker caused a lot of office drama.
  • The fishermen had to carefully free the turtle from its entanglement in the net.
entrapment

Entrapment is used to describe a situation where someone is tricked or forced into involvement in a difficult or illegal situation. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used in legal contexts.

  • The suspect's lawyer argued that his client was a victim of police entrapment.
  • She felt like she was under entrapment in the restrictive work contract.
involvement

Involvement is a more neutral term that describes the state of being engaged or participating in an activity or situation. It can be used in positive, neutral, or negative contexts.

  • His involvement in the charity work was highly appreciated by the community.
  • She was questioned about her involvement in the project.

Examples of usage

  • The embroilment between the two countries led to a long-lasting dispute.
  • She tried to avoid any embroilment in the office politics.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The act of involving someone in a legal situation, especially when it is complicated or controversial.

Synonyms

entanglement, entrapment, involvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embroilment

Use this word to describe a difficult or complicated conflict, often involving multiple parties. It can imply a situation where things are mixed up in a troublesome way.

  • The political embroilment between the two countries has led to severe diplomatic consequences.
  • She found herself in an embroilment with her coworkers over the project's outcome.
entanglement

This term fits well when describing a situation where one is caught up in a complex or tricky situation that is hard to escape from. It often implies confusion or complications.

  • The legal entanglement over the property rights took years to resolve.
  • Their relationship turned into an emotional entanglement that neither could easily break free from.
entrapment

Use this word to denote a scenario where someone is trapped or deceived into a situation by someone else, often used in legal or negative contexts.

  • The defendant claimed entrapment, asserting that the police lured him into committing the crime.
  • He felt a sense of entrapment in the business deal, unable to withdraw without significant loss.
involvement

This word is appropriate for describing a situation where someone participates or is a part of an activity or event without the negative connotations. It simply means being included or engaged.

  • Her involvement in the charity event was crucial for its success.
  • The team appreciated his involvement in the new project.

Examples of usage

  • The embroilment of the witness in the case caused a lot of controversy.
  • The lawyer advised against any embroilment in the ongoing investigation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic novels, such as those by Shakespeare, include themes of embroilment as characters find themselves in conflicts due to misunderstandings.
  • In Russian literature, great authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky often portray embroilment as a catalyst for character development.
  • The complexities of embroilment are a common device in modern plays, highlighting the tangled relationships between characters.

Psychology

  • Being embroiled in conflict can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels among individuals.
  • Studies suggest that individuals involved in long-term embroilments may develop a sense of helplessness.
  • Conflict resolution skills are essential in mitigating the effects of embroilment, promoting healthier relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, embroilment is frequently used as a plot device, with characters becoming trapped in webs of lies or rivalries.
  • Reality TV often showcases embroilment, as contestants navigate conflicts and alliances, keeping audiences engaged.
  • Many popular songs focus on themes of embroilment in relationships, portraying the emotional turmoil involved.

History

  • Historical figures like Julius Caesar often became embroiled in political conspiracy, leading to significant events like his assassination.
  • Conflicts during the Cold War saw nations embroiled in ideological battles, affecting global politics for decades.
  • Embroilment in trade disputes has historically led to wars, demonstrating the ripple effect of economic disagreements.

Origin of 'embroilment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'embrouiller', meaning to confuse or mix up.
  • It is related to the word 'broil', which originally meant to boil or cook, reflecting turmoil.
  • The prefix 'em-' suggests being put into a state of, while 'broil' relates to environments of heat and conflict.

The word 'embroilment' originated in the early 17th century from the verb 'embroil,' which means 'to involve deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation.' The prefix 'em-' denotes 'in' or 'within,' while 'broil' comes from Middle French 'brouiller,' meaning 'to confuse' or 'mix up.' Over time, 'embroilment' has come to represent a state of confusion or entanglement in various contexts, from personal conflicts to legal disputes.


See also: embroil, embroiled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,619, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.