beleaguer

/bi'li:gə/
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beleaguer

The beleaguered castle finally surrendered after months of siege.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To surround with armed forces in order to force surrender: To besiege a place, typically a city or fortress, by surrounding it with military forces to cut off supplies and compel those inside to give up.
    • To harass, pester, or trouble persistently: To cause persistent annoyance, pressure, or distress to someone.
Usage and Examples

  • Verb (to besiege):

    • The enemy army moved to beleaguer the castle, cutting off all supply routes.
    • For months, the general's strategy was to beleaguer the capital until its defenders surrendered.

  • Verb (to harass):

    • The paparazzi would constantly beleaguer the celebrity, asking intrusive questions.
    • He felt beleaguered by doubts and anxieties about the upcoming decision.
Advanced Usage and Notes

  • Adjectival Form - "Beleaguered": This is the most common derived form. It functions as an adjective meaning "harassed, troubled, or besieged."

    • The beleaguered mayor faced criticism from all sides.
    • The beleaguered company struggled to stay afloat during the economic crisis.

  • Figurative Use: Often used in non-military contexts to describe being under intense pressure from multiple problems or critics.

    • The beleaguered healthcare system is struggling with staff shortages and rising costs.
Variants and Related Words
  • Besiege (verb): A close synonym for the military sense of "beleaguer."
  • Harass (verb): A close synonym for the persistent annoyance sense.
  • Badger (verb): To pester or annoy persistently.
  • Hound (verb): To pursue relentlessly and harass.
Synonyms
  • For "surround/besiege": Beset, blockade, encircle, lay siege to.
  • For "harass": Pester, plague, torment, vex, bedevil.
Idioms and Common Phrases
  • "A beleaguered [person/group]": A standard phrase describing someone or something under severe and persistent pressure.
    • The beleaguered coach finally resigned after a string of losses.
    • The report focused on the plight of beleaguered farmers.
beleaguer

The beleaguered castle finally surrendered after months of siege.

Verb
  1. surround so as to force to give up
    • The Turks besieged Vienna
  2. annoy persistently
    • The children teased the boy because of his stammer

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