beleaguer

[ bih-lee-ger ]

verb (used with object)

1. to surround with military forces.
2. to surround or beset, as with troubles.

   Synonyms: hector, plague, annoy, vex, badger, pester, harass, bother

beleaguer

/ bɪˈliːɡə /

verb

1. to trouble persistently; harass
2. to lay siege to

Other Word Forms

• be·lea·guer·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beleaguer¹

First recorded in 1580–90; be- + leaguer ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of beleaguer¹

C16: from be- + leaguer ¹

Example Sentences

Half-time came as welcome respite for the beleaguered Warriors, but Leinster kept their foot on the throat, Ringrose bursting through the midfield to score.

From BBC

Based on the 2011 video game, the film has delivered a welcome hit for Warner Bros., giving the beleaguered studio the largest domestic opening of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

The director of “A Beautiful Mind” — a former child star — was playing himself in Apple TV+’s Hollywood comedy, created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, about a beleaguered executive portrayed by Rogen.

From Los Angeles Times

Till now she had not used that sizeable bloc to attempt to bring down the government of the beleaguered prime minister Francois Bayrou, who struggles on despite having no majority.

From BBC

County’s beleaguered juvenile halls gained a spotlight last year after The Times published video footage showing officers standing by as at least six youths took turns pummeling a teenager inside Los Padrinos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy
• bedevil
• beset
• plague