embattles
Readies for siege
Embattles is the third-person singular of embattle, meaning to prepare for battle or arrange in battle formation.
More commonly, it appears as the adjective embattled, describing someone beset by problems or under attack: The embattled mayor faced calls for resignation.
The word can also mean to furnish with battlements—the notched parapets atop castle walls.
Strengthens against threat
- barricadesStructures preventing passage
- reinforcesStrengthens or supports further
- rampartsProtective fortress walls
- bastionsFortified defensive positions
parapets · stockades · palisades · redoubts · bulwarks · citadels · entrenchments · battlements
Encircles to force surrender
- assaultsViolent physical attacks
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- engagesOccupies or participates with
- skirmishesBrief, minor combat engagements
confronts · clashes · combat · warfare · siege · offensive · frontline · engagement
Difficulties requiring effort
- hardensBecomes firm or solid
- testsProcedures measuring knowledge
- trialsFormal legal proceedings
- strugglesDifficult prolonged efforts
ordeals · hardships · tribulations · crises · difficulties · setbacks · obstacles · resilience
fortifies
Strengthens against threat
- barricadesStructures preventing passage
- reinforcesStrengthens or supports further
- rampartsProtective fortress walls
bastions · parapets · stockades · palisades · redoubts · bulwarks · citadels · entrenchments · battlements · garrisons
besieges
Encircles to force surrender
- assaultsViolent physical attacks
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- engagesOccupies or participates with
skirmishes · confronts · clashes · combat · warfare · siege · offensive · frontline · engagement · assault
challenges
Difficulties requiring effort
struggles · ordeals · hardships · tribulations · crises · difficulties · setbacks · obstacles · resilience · perseverance
flanks
Lateral body portions
- encirclesSurrounds on all sides
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- besiegesEncircles to force surrender
blockades · surrounds · outflanks · tactics · campaign · reconnaissance · feint · counterattack · pincer · ambush
embattlesdisarms
Removes threat potential
demobilizes · stands down · demilitarizes · disbands · surrenders
embattlessurrenders
Ceases resistance formally
capitulates · yields · submits · concedes · acquiesces