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Beleaguer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beleaguer

[bษชหˆliหษกษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to besiege persistently

To beleaguer means to surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or to force its surrender. It can also refer to the act of harassing or besetting someone persistently, leading to a sense of pressure or difficulty. This can apply to situations in which an individual feels overwhelmed by problems or challenges. The term is often used in military contexts but has also found a place in everyday language to describe emotional or mental stress caused by perpetual troubles.

Synonyms

besiege, harass, press, surround, trouble.

Examples of usage

  • The media continued to beleaguer the politician with questions.
  • The company was beleaguered by financial difficulties.
  • She felt beleaguered by the constant demands of her job.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling beleaguered can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness.
  • Itโ€™s often related to the feeling of being cornered, where options seem limited and pressures increase.
  • In a crowded workspace, for instance, employees can feel beleaguered by too many tasks and not enough time.

Literature

  • Writers often use the concept of being beleaguered to illustrate characters in crisis.
  • Many classic novels depict protagonists feeling beleaguered by societal expectations or personal dilemmas.
  • This theme resonates with readers, as it reflects universal struggles against overwhelming odds.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the beleaguered hero is a common trope, illustrating a character facing insurmountable challenges.
  • Songs often reflect feelings of being beleaguered, resonating with audiences through themes of struggle and resilience.
  • TV shows frequently portray characters who feel beleaguered by their choices and circumstances, enhancing dramatic tension.

Historical Context

  • The term has been used in various conflicts to describe besieged cities throughout history.
  • During historical sieges, both people and armies felt beleaguered by the constant pressure from opposing forces.
  • In modern rhetoric, the term is used to describe nations or communities facing multiple crises or hardships.

Origin of 'beleaguer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Dutch word 'belegeren,' which means to besiege or surround.
  • Originally used to describe a military tactic of surrounding a city or fort to capture it.
  • The term evolved in English to refer to any situation where someone is troubled or overwhelmed.

The term 'beleaguer' has its origins in the Dutch word 'belegeren', which means 'to besiege'. This Dutch term is derived from 'leagere', meaning 'to lay siege to'. The word made its way into English in the late 16th century, primarily in the context of military sieges. As its usage evolved, 'beleaguer' began to be applied more broadly to describe situations in which a person or a group feels overwhelmed by difficulties, akin to being surrounded by obstacles. By the 19th century, 'beleaguer' began to be used in more metaphorical contexts, relating to emotional distress or persistent stress in personal and professional life. Its adaptation into modern language reflects the persistence of challenges that individuals face in various aspects of life, making it a relevant term even today.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,215, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.