Meaning & Definition of word "Siege"
to
Siege
/siːdʒ/
noun:
- 1. The act of surrounding and attacking a fortified place in order to isolate it and force its surrender.
- Example: The castle withstood a long siege, showing the strength of its defenses.
- 2. A prolonged period of trouble or difficulty, often used metaphorically.
- Example: The community faced a siege of poverty and unemployment after the factory closed.
verb:
- 1. To surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it.
- Example: The troops were ordered to siege the enemy stronghold until reinforcements arrived.
Etymology
From Old French 'siege' meaning 'seat', from Latin 'sedes'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
laid siege to:
To attack or besiege a place.
under siege:
Surrounded by an attacking force, often used metaphorically.
besieged with requests:
Overwhelmed or inundated with requests.
Related Words
besiege:
To surround a place in order to force its surrender.
fortress:
A fortified building or military stronghold.
blockade:
An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Slang Meanings of siege
Meaning: To dominate or overwhelm someone in a figurative sense.
Example Sentence: He was sieged by fans at the convention.
Meaning: To relentlessly pursue someone persistently.
Example Sentence: She was sieged by her friends about attending the party.