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Besiege: meaning, definitions and examples

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besiege

 

[ bɪˈsiːdʒ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

warfare

To surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender.

Synonyms

beset, blockade, encircle, surround

Examples of usage

  • The enemy troops besieged the castle for weeks before finally breaking through the defenses.
  • The city was besieged by enemy forces, cutting off all supply routes.
Context #2 | Verb

pressure

To crowd around someone in an aggressive or threatening manner.

Synonyms

mob, surround, swarm

Examples of usage

  • The reporters besieged the celebrity as soon as she exited the building.
  • Fans besieged the stage after the concert, hoping for a glimpse of the band.

Translations

Translations of the word "besiege" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cercar

🇮🇳 घेरना

🇩🇪 belagern

🇮🇩 mengepung

🇺🇦 обложити

🇵🇱 oblegać

🇯🇵 包囲する (ほういする)

🇫🇷 assiéger

🇪🇸 sitio

🇹🇷 kuşatmak

🇰🇷 포위하다 (포위하다)

🇸🇦 يُحاصِر

🇨🇿 obléhat

🇸🇰 obliehať

🇨🇳 围攻 (wéigōng)

🇸🇮 oblegati

🇮🇸 umkringja

🇰🇿 қоршау

🇬🇪 ალყაში მოქცევა

🇦🇿 mühasirəyə almaq

🇲🇽 sitio

Etymology

The word 'besiege' comes from the Old French term 'bésieger', which in turn derives from the Latin 'obsidio', meaning 'a siege'. The concept of besieging a place has been a fundamental strategy in warfare throughout history, dating back to ancient times when armies would lay siege to cities and fortresses to conquer them. The word has evolved to also encompass the idea of surrounding or pressuring someone in a non-military context.

See also: siege.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,903, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.