embattle
Ready for conflict
Embattle means to prepare for battle or conflict.
Troops embattle when they form battle lines; a castle is embattled when fortified with battlements.
The past participle embattled dominates modern use, describing someone beset by problems or opposition: The embattled CEO faced calls for resignation.
An embattled politician fights criticism from all sides.
Armed conflict between groups
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
assault · onslaught · hostilities · confrontation · fray · melee · struggle · strife
Fortified defensive wall
- bastionFortified defensive position
- parapetLow wall at edge
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
- stockadeFence of sharpened stakes
palisade · redoubt · entrenchment · earthwork · breastwork · barricade · crenellation · embrasure
Organized effort toward goal
- planningArranging for future events
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
- operationProcess of working
- objectivePurpose or goal
preparation · countermeasure · contingency · mobilization · fortify · entrench · position · reinforce
Ground combat troops
- cavalryMounted military force
- artilleryLarge-caliber battlefield weapons
- regimentColonel-led military unit
- brigadeLarge military unit
division · garrison · platoon · corps · squadron · troops · forces · army
Deliberate tactical movement
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- feintDeceptive mock attack
counterattack · flanking · pincer · reconnaissance · attrition · envelopment · sortie · sally
warfare
Armed conflict between groups
engagement · assault · onslaught · hostilities · confrontation · fray · melee · struggle · strife · siege
rampart
Fortified defensive wall
- bastionFortified defensive position
- parapetLow wall at edge
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
stockade · palisade · redoubt · entrenchment · earthwork · breastwork · barricade · crenellation · embrasure · merlon
campaign
Organized effort toward goal
- planningArranging for future events
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
- operationProcess of working
objective · preparation · countermeasure · contingency · mobilization · fortify · entrench · position · reinforce · bolster
infantry
Ground combat troops
- cavalryMounted military force
- artilleryLarge-caliber battlefield weapons
- regimentColonel-led military unit
brigade · division · garrison · platoon · corps · squadron · troops · forces · army · legion
maneuver
Deliberate tactical movement
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
feint · counterattack · flanking · pincer · reconnaissance · attrition · envelopment · sortie · sally · formation
breastplate
Metal torso protection
cuirass · greaves · hauberk · mail · plate · vambrace · pauldron · gorget · brigandine · chainmail
embattledisarm
Remove capacity to harm
demilitarize · demobilize · stand down · lay down arms · unarm
embattlesurrender
Cease resistance, yield
capitulate · make peace · yield · lay down arms · pacify