Definition

To trouble or annoy someone repeatedly; to surround or besiege a place with troops.

Example

The town was beleaguered by enemy forces for several weeks.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like we are being beleaguered by too many deadlines this week.

Tell me about it! Every project seems to pile up at once.

It's so stressful; I wish they would spread them out more.

I know, right? It feels like we’re surrounded by work!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Beleaguer is formed from "be-" (meaning about or around) and "leaguer" (from Middle Dutch *leger*, meaning camp or siege). The word describes the act of surrounding or besieging a place, as if encamping around it.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'surrounded' ('be-') by a 'camp' ('leaguer') — that's why beleaguer means to besiege or trouble someone.

Visually Confused Words