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

lay siege to, break the siege, mental siege

Formal and Informal Expressions of siege

In different contexts, you can replace 'siege' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'besiegement' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'blockade' is a commonplace synonym.

siege: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for siege

Antonyms for siege

Phrases with siege

lay siege to
to besiege a place or person
Example
The army laid siege to the castle for six months.
break the siege
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'

📌

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.