siege

[siːdʒ]

siege Definition

  • 1a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling those inside to surrender
  • 2a prolonged period of misfortune, distress, or harassment

Using siege: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "siege" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The city was under siege for three months.

  • Example

    The company is under siege by the media.

  • Example

    The team's defense held up well under siege from the opposing team's offense.

siege Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for siege

Phrases with siege

  • to besiege a place or person

    Example

    The army laid siege to the castle for six months.

  • to end a siege by force or by lifting the blockade

    Example

    The defenders broke the siege by launching a surprise attack on the enemy camp.

  • mental siege

    a state of being overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions

    Example

    She was under a mental siege after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend.

Origins of siege

from Old French 'sege', from Latin 'sedere' meaning 'to sit'

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Summary: siege in Brief

The term 'siege' [siːdʒ] refers to a military operation where enemy forces surround a town or building to compel those inside to surrender. It can also mean a prolonged period of misfortune, distress, or harassment. Examples include 'The city was under siege for three months.' and 'The company is under siege by the media.' Phrases like 'lay siege to' and 'break the siege' are common.