Main Entry: be·lea·guer

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈlē-gər, bē-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): be·lea·guered; be·lea·guer·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Dutch belegeren, from be- (akin to Old English be-) + leger camp; akin to Old High German legar bed — more at lair

Date: 1587

1 : besiege
2 : trouble, harass <beleaguered parents> <an economically beleaguered city>

— be·lea·guer·ment \-mənt\ noun