embattled

[ em-bat-ld ]
/ ɛmˈbæt ld /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR embattled ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

disposed or prepared for battle.
engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

Origin of embattled

1350–1400; Middle English; see embattle1, -ed2; def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em-1, en-1

OTHER WORDS FROM embattled

un·em·bat·tled, adjective

Words nearby embattled

embarrassment of riches, embassador, embassage, embassy, embattle, embattled, embattlement, embay, embayment, embden, embden-meyerhof pathway

Definition for embattled (2 of 3)

embattle 1
[ em-bat-l ]
/ ɛmˈbæt l /

verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

to arrange in order of battle; prepare for battle; arm.
to fortify (a town, camp, etc.).

Origin of embattle

1
1350–1400; Middle English embatailen < Middle French embataillier. See em-1, battle1

Definition for embattled (3 of 3)

embattle 2
[ em-bat-l ]
/ ɛmˈbæt l /

verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

to furnish with battlements.

Origin of embattle

2
First recorded in 1350–1400, embattle is from the Middle English word embatailen. See em-1, battle2

Words related to embattled

beset, fortified, fighting, prepared, crenelated

Example sentences from the Web for embattled

British Dictionary definitions for embattled (1 of 2)

embattled
/ (ɪmˈbætəld) /

adjective

prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

British Dictionary definitions for embattled (2 of 2)

embattle
/ (ɪmˈbætəl) /

verb (tr)

to deploy (troops) for battle
to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)
to provide (a building) with battlements

Word Origin for embattle

C14: from Old French embataillier; see en- 1, battle