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Beleaguering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beleaguering

[bɪˈliːɡərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

military action

To beleaguer means to lay siege to a place, typically a fortified one. This involves surrounding the location in order to cut off supplies and reinforcements, effectively forcing the occupants into a position of surrender or desperation. beleaguering can also refer to subjecting someone to constant trouble or harassment. It underscores a feeling of being under persistent pressure or difficulty.

Synonyms

besiege, harass, oppress, surround, trouble.

Examples of usage

  • The army began beleaguering the fortress at dawn.
  • She felt beleaguered by the constant demands of her job.
  • The strategically positioned troops were beleaguering the enemy's stronghold.
  • Before the negotiations, the negotiators were beleaguering the other party with questions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, beleaguering has been a common tactic in warfare, illustrating strategies to weaken defenses.
  • Famous sieges, like the Siege of Vicksburg during the American Civil War, showcased the tactic of beleaguering to restrict supplies.
  • In medieval times, castles often faced beleaguering tactics by rival lords to gain control over territories.

Psychology

  • People can feel a sense of beleaguering in their personal lives, feeling overwhelmed by challenges.
  • The term can be linked to feelings of stress, as individuals might feel trapped by responsibilities or pressures.
  • Therapists often help individuals find ways to cope with feelings of being beleaguered, fostering resilience.

Literature

  • In literature, characters may feel beleaguered as a metaphor for their struggles against societal or personal challenges.
  • Classic novels often depict protagonists in beleaguering situations as a means to explore themes of perseverance and courage.
  • Notable works, such as 'The Catcher in the Rye', explore character feelings of being beleaguered by the world around them.

Pop Culture

  • Films and shows sometimes depict heroes in beleaguering circumstances to highlight their inner strength and resolve.
  • In video games, players often face beleaguering scenarios where they must think strategically to escape or overcome challenges.
  • Musicians use the concept of feeling beleaguered to convey emotions in songs, addressing both personal struggles and societal issues.

Origin of 'beleaguering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Dutch word 'legeren', which means 'to camp'.
  • It originally described laying siege to a place, such as a castle, by surrounding it.
  • The prefix 'be-' suggests being surrounded or encircled by something.

The word 'beleaguer' has its roots in the Dutch language, deriving from 'belegeren', which itself comes from 'leger' meaning 'camp' or 'army'. The term was first documented in the early 17th century, originally used to describe military tactics of surrounding an enemy. Over time, its use expanded beyond military contexts to describe any situation in which someone is besieged by difficulties or troubles. The evolution of the term reflects a broader application of the idea of being encircled or pressured, now commonly used in various contexts in modern English. Its rich history captures the various elements of siege warfare and the struggles inherent in facing continuous challenges.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,749, 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.