embroil
Drag into conflict
To embroil is to draw someone into a conflict, dispute, or difficult situation—usually unwillingly: The scandal embroiled the entire department.
The word suggests entanglement and complication, often in matters that are messy or contentious: She didn't want to become embroiled in their family drama.
Things that embroil tend to be hard to escape.
Twist into confusion
- involveTo contain as part
- implicateSuggest involvement in wrongdoing
- enmeshCatch in interwoven strands
- ensnareCatch by trickery
draw in · catch up · mire · engulf · plunge · thrust · suck in · trap
Prolonged public disagreement
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
contention · squabble · altercation · clash · confrontation · falling-out · wrangle · discord
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
subterfuge · collusion · double-dealing · treachery · betrayal · sedition · subversion · cloak-and-dagger
entangle
Twist into confusion
- involveTo contain as part
- implicateSuggest involvement in wrongdoing
- enmeshCatch in interwoven strands
ensnare · draw in · catch up · mire · engulf · plunge · thrust · suck in · trap · complicate
controversy
Prolonged public disagreement
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
argument · contention · squabble · altercation · clash · confrontation · falling-out · wrangle · discord · strife
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
maneuvering · subterfuge · collusion · double-dealing · treachery · betrayal · sedition · subversion · cloak-and-dagger · clandestine
upheaval
Violent disturbance of order
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- pandemoniumState of utter confusion
- tumultNoisy, chaotic disturbance
commotion · unrest · disturbance · agitation · ferment · uproar · bedlam · mayhem · havoc · disorder