Definition
Besiege is a verb that means to surround a place, typically a fortified city or town, with soldiers in order to capture it or force its surrender. It can also refer to persistently harassing or overwhelming someone with requests or demands.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
verb
Synonyms
surround, blockade, encircle, encompass, trap, hem in, besiegement, beset.
Antonyms
liberate, rescue, free, release, unburden.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | besieger, besiegers |
| Verb | besieging, besieges, besiege, besieged |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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During the war, the enemy forces would besiege the city, cutting off all supply routes and isolating its inhabitants.
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The activists decided to peacefully besiege the government offices to demand immediate action on climate change.
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The celebrity was constantly besieged by fans and paparazzi wherever she went, leaving her with no privacy.
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The salesman would besiege potential customers with phone calls and emails, trying to convince them to buy his product.
Usage
The word “besiege” has its roots in the Latin term “obsidere,” which means to sit around or besiege. The prefix “be-” in “besiege” is derived from the Old English word “be-” meaning to surround or encompass. The suffix “-ige” is used to form verbs in English, indicating action.
Throughout history, the concept of besieging has been a common strategy in warfare. In ancient times, armies would encircle fortified cities or castles, cutting off their supplies and communication, in order to weaken and eventually conquer them. This method was used by various civilizations, such as the Romans, Greeks, and medieval knights.
In modern usage, the word “besiege” retains its original military connotation but has also expanded to metaphorical and non-military contexts. It can describe the act of surrounding and isolating a place or person, not only in physical terms but also in an emotional or mental sense. For instance, someone might feel besieged by a demanding workload or besieged by a barrage of negative comments on social media.
The word “besiege” is most commonly used as a transitive verb, taking a direct object. It can be used actively to describe the act of besieging a place or person, or passively to describe being besieged. The term “besiege” often carries a sense of persistent pressure or harassment, implying a continuous and overwhelming force.
In summary, “besiege” has a rich historical background as a military tactic, but its usage has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts. It is a versatile word that allows us to describe the physical, mental, or emotional experience of being surrounded or overwhelmed by forces beyond our control.