First Known Use: 1750
Dictionary
imbroglio
noun im·bro·glio \im-ˈbrōl-(ˌ)yō\
: a complex dispute or argument
plural im·bro·glios
Full Definition of IMBROGLIO
1
: a confused mass
2
a : an intricate or complicated situation (as in a drama or novel) b : an acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding c : a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation : embroilment d : scandal 3a <survived the political imbroglio>
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Origin of IMBROGLIO
Italian, from imbrogliare to entangle, from Middle French embrouiller — more at embroil
Related to IMBROGLIO
- Synonyms
- altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, argument, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle
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