besiege

verb

be·siege | \ bi-ˈsēj

, bē-\

besieged; besieging

Definition of besiege

1 military : to surround with armed forces The army had besieged the castle.

2a : to press with requests : importune … besieging the royal ministers with petitions …— T. B. Costain besieged by the media

b : to cause worry or distress to : beset doubts besieged him

Other Words from besiege Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about besiege

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for besiege

Synonyms

beleaguer, blockade, invest, leaguer [archaic]

Examples of besiege in a Sentence

Customers have besieged the company with questions.

Recent Examples on the Web

The French champions will have to rely on the strength of their squad depth as they are besieged by absences. — SI.com, "Metz vs Paris Saint-Germain: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 26 Aug. 2019 He too is besieged by the dead, assailed by visions more literal than Nora’s or Josie’s. — Barbara Vandenburgh, USA TODAY, "Téa Obreht follows up 'The Tiger's Wife' with 'Inland' a haunted, fantastical Western," 13 Aug. 2019 This newest season follows the resident of Hawkins, Ind., as they are besieged by interdimensional forces and evil Russians. — Rachel Yang, EW.com, "Stranger Things 3 breaks Netflix viewership record in first 4 days of release," 9 July 2019 Police have claimed the use of force was justified, but since then have largely adopted softer tactics, even as protesters besieged police headquarters in recent days, pelting it with eggs and spray-painting slogans on its outer walls. — Fox News, "Hong Kong demonstrators smash government building amid protests on anniversary of return of Chinese rule," 2 July 2019 Caterina Sforza immediately began expanding her military defenses, improving her weaponry, and creating large stores of food and ammunition in case she was besieged. — National Geographic, "This Renaissance warrior woman defied powerful popes to defend her lands," 15 Mar. 2019 Jeff Seidel If the Spartans can figure out how to score again. They were besieged by injuries last season, but now those players are healthy, and many of the backups have experience. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "This is what Michigan State football has to do to reach Big Ten championship game," 20 Aug. 2019 The agency has been besieged by criticism from lawmakers and immigration activists as the Trump administration continues to target those living in the U.S. illegally. — Fox News, "FBI investigating shooting at ICE office in San Antonio as 'targeted attack'," 14 Aug. 2019 The New York Times gained one of the first inside views by a news organization of life under lockdown in Kashmir and found a population that felt besieged, confused, frightened and furious. — Sameer Yasir, BostonGlobe.com, "Confusion, rage, and protest grip cutoff Kashmir," 10 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'besiege.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.