WordGarden.iosiege
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈiːdʒ/
US
- /ˈsidʒ/
Meanings
Noun
a military operation in which a place is surrounded and attacked until it surrenders
a period of sustained hostile pressure or attack on a person, place, or organization
Beyond the definition
Imagine a strong castle with people sheltering inside. A siege happens when an enemy force surrounds it, cuts off supplies, and keeps attacking or waiting until the people inside give up. But it is not only about castles or war. It can also describe heavy, lasting pressure in everyday life. Someone might feel besieged by emails, complaints, or bad news. The word suggests pressure, endurance, and often desperation.
A siege is the act of surrounding a city, building, or position with an armed force in order to isolate it and compel its surrender. Historically, sieges were brutal affairs—prolonged blockades meant starvation and disease alongside constant bombardment. Think of the famous Siege of Troy, which reportedly lasted ten long years! The goal wasn't always immediate destruction; often, it was about wearing down the defenders until they had no choice but to yield.
However, "siege" isn't limited to military contexts. We use it metaphorically to describe any persistent and overwhelming pressure. A journalist might be besieged by requests for interviews after breaking a major story. An artist could feel under siege from self-doubt while creating a new work. A company facing numerous lawsuits is said to be under legal siege.
The verb "to besiege" means to persistently harass or trouble someone: "He was besieged by reporters eager for a comment." The noun form emphasizes the state of being surrounded and pressured, often implying a struggle for survival. Whether it's a historical military tactic or a modern-day metaphor, a siege represents a sustained effort to overcome resistance—a relentless pressure that tests endurance and demands a response.
Examples
- 1
Military attack
The city was under siege for weeks before help arrived.
- 2
Castle attack
Enemy forces laid siege to the castle in winter.
- Patternlay siege to + place
surround it and try to capture it
- 3
Media pressure
Reporters camped outside the actor's house, and his family felt under siege.
- Phrasefeel under siege
feel attacked or pressured from all sides
- 4
Business pressure
Small local shops are under siege from online competition.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Defensive mindset
Years of criticism gave the team a siege mentality.
- Phrasesiege mentality
a feeling that everyone is against you
See also
Similar
- blockade
- encirclement
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- lay siege to
- under siege
- raise the siege
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- siegenoun
Forms
- siegespluralnoun