Definition

To surround a place with armed forces to capture it or to crowd around someone with many requests or problems.

Example

The army decided to besiege the city to force its surrender.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I felt like I was besieged by so many tasks this week.

I know that feeling! Sometimes it seems like everything hits at once.

Exactly! I wish I could just take a break from it all.

You should! A little downtime can help clear your mind.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Besiege → It is formed from "be-" (meaning about or around) and "sige" (from Old English "sīgan", meaning to conquer or to subdue). The word describes the act of surrounding a place in order to conquer it.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'surrounded' ('be-') in order to 'conquer' ('sige') a place — that's what besiege means.

Visually Confused Words