siege

[siːdʒ]

siege Definition

• 1. 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
• 2. a 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

• blockade
• encirclement
• besiegement
• investment

Antonyms for siege

• rescue
• relief

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'

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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.