'embroil' originates from French, specifically the word 'embrouiller,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'brouiller' meant 'to mix or confuse.'

'embrouiller' transformed into the English word 'embroil' during the late 16th century.

Initially, it meant 'to mix or confuse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to involve in conflict or difficulty.'