beleaguer

[bih-lee-ger]

beleaguer Definition

to surround or beset, as with troubles.

Using beleaguer: Examples

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

• Example

  The company was beleaguered by financial problems.

• Example

  The city was beleaguered by enemy troops.

• Example

  The team was beleaguered by injuries throughout the season.

beleaguer Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for beleaguer

• besiege
• trouble
• harass
• plague
• torment

Antonyms for beleaguer

• aid
• assist
• help

Idioms Using beleaguer

• beleaguered with problems

  to be faced with a large number of problems or difficulties

  Example

  The company was beleaguered with problems, including falling sales, rising costs, and a lack of investment.

• beleaguered by critics

  to be subjected to a large amount of criticism or negative attention

  Example

  The film was beleaguered by critics, who panned it for its poor acting, weak script, and lack of originality.

• beleaguered but not defeated

  to be facing many challenges or difficulties, but still maintaining hope and determination

  Example

  The beleaguered but not defeated team fought back from a two-goal deficit to win the game in extra time.

Phrases with beleaguer

• beleaguered fortress

  a fortress that is under attack or surrounded by enemy forces

  Example

  The beleaguered fortress held out for several weeks before finally surrendering.

• beleaguered minority

  a minority group that is under attack or facing difficulties

  Example

  The beleaguered minority fought for their rights and freedoms in the face of discrimination and persecution.

• beleaguered leader

  a leader who is facing many challenges or difficulties

  Example

  The beleaguered leader struggled to maintain control over his fractious coalition government.

Origins of beleaguer

from Dutch 'belegeren', meaning 'to besiege'

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Summary: beleaguer in Brief

'Beleaguer' [bih-lee-ger] means to surround or beset with troubles. It can refer to physical or metaphorical situations, such as a fortress under attack or a company facing financial problems. Phrases like 'beleaguered minority' and 'beleaguered leader' extend the term to groups and individuals. Idioms like 'beleaguered with problems' and 'beleaguered by critics' describe situations where someone is facing many challenges or difficulties.