Definition

A military action where an army surrounds a city or fortress to force it to surrender, often involving a long period of blockading and attacking.

Example

The army laid siege to the city for several months before it finally surrendered.

Conversation

Did you hear about the historical siege that took place in the city last week?

Yeah, I read about it! It sounded intense and really well-planned.

I can't believe how long the siege lasted; it must have been tough on the people there.

Absolutely, a situation like that would be really challenging for everyone involved.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender.

Example

The army decided to siege the city to gain control over it.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the city they decided to siege?

Yeah, it’s all over the news; it sounds intense!

I wonder how long they plan to siege it for.

Root Explanation

**Siege** → The word 'siege' comes from Old French *sege* (meaning a seat or position) and is derived from the Latin *sedere* (meaning to sit). The term originally referred to the act of sitting around a fortified place to besiege it, thus leading to the modern meaning of surrounding and attacking a place to capture it.

Memory Tip

Imagine soldiers 'sitting' ('sedere') around a fortress to 'attack' it — that's how you can remember that a siege is about surrounding and attacking a place.

Visually Confused Words