besiege
Translation
to surround, to lay siege to, to overwhelm
Examples
The army besieged the castle for months.
The army besieged the castle for months.
Reporters besieged the star with questions.
Reporters besieged the star with questions.
Grammar Patterns
to besiege ((sth.)) to surround (a place) with armed forces The army besieged the castle.
to besiege ((sb.)) with ((sth.)) to overwhelm (sb.) with (sth.) Reporters besieged the star with questions.
Similar Words
Synonyms: surround, encircle, blockade, inundate
Etymology
From Old French 'besiegier', from 'be-' (around) + 'siege' (seat, act of sitting down before a town). Literally 'to sit down around'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'bee siege'—a swarm of bees surrounding you. This image helps to remember the feeling of being overwhelmed or surrounded.