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 Words From

• 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

The buttoned-up, pantsuit-wearing former oncologist is not a repeat of the eager “Goldbergs” matriarch, but the character maintains the actor’s knack for playing beleaguered exhaustion for comedic effect.

From Los Angeles Times

The political fallout from the Scottish government's beleaguered bottle return scheme has been considerable, but the legal fallout could be equally as significant.

From BBC

He played the former president as a beleaguered road dog who has gone delirious from being trapped on an endless campaign.

From Salon

For an already beleaguered Ukraine, the development is yet another flashing danger sign.

From Los Angeles Times

Georgia's beleaguered election commission has accused its critics of a "manipulative campaign" of disinformation and said it would recount votes in five randomly selected polling stations in each of Georgia's 84 election districts.

From BBC

Related Words

• annoy
• bedevil
• beset
• plague