besiege

[ bih-seej ]

verb (used with object)

, be·sieged, be·sieg·ing.

1. to lay siege to.
2. to crowd around; crowd in upon; surround:

   Vacationers besieged the travel office.

3. to assail or ply, as with requests or demands.

   Synonyms: hound, harry, harass, pester, beset

besiege

/ bɪˈsiːdʒ /

verb

1. to surround (a fortified area, esp a city) with military forces to bring about its surrender
2. to crowd round; hem in
3. to overwhelm, as with requests or queries

Derived Forms

• beˈsieger, noun

Other Words From

• be·siege·ment noun
• be·sieg·er noun
• be·sieg·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of besiege¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English bysegen; be-, siege

Example Sentences

They believe the Israeli military is planning to implement a plan, proposed by retired Israeli generals, to completely empty the north of civilians and besiege Hamas fighters remaining there until they release Israeli hostages held since Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.

From BBC

The internet has been cut making access to the city difficult, as soldiers from the RSF group continue to besiege the city.

From BBC

Polar bear invasion on Novaya Zemlya as 50 wild animals besiege remote town, and chase people.

From NewsForKids.net

“Thunder Song” is LaPointe’s call out to the world, a love letter to the Pacific Northwest, an Indigenous riot grrrl manifesto, a time machine to her great-grandmother and the story of her heart dealing with the collective historical trauma that continues to besiege Indigenous people.

From Seattle Times

He said medical staff and displaced people fear Israel will besiege the hospital and force its evacuation.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• beleaguer
• beset
• blockade
• encircle
• hem in
• trap