besieged: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, journalistic, historical.
Quick answer
What does “besieged” mean?
To surround a place (like a city or fortress) with armed forces in order to capture it or force surrender.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To surround a place (like a city or fortress) with armed forces in order to capture it or force surrender.
To surround or crowd around someone with persistent requests, questions, or attention; to be overwhelmed or persistently troubled by something (e.g., problems, demands).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the word in literal and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British historical/journalistic contexts due to older history of castles and sieges, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “besieged” in a Sentence
[subject] besieged [object] (with [something])[object] was besieged by [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besieged” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Rebel forces besieged the governor's mansion for three days.
- The pop star was besieged by autograph hunters as she left the theatre.
American English
- Protesters besieged the state capitol building, demanding action.
- The tech help desk is besieged with calls after the software update.
adjective
British English
- The besieged garrison finally surrendered when supplies ran out.
- She fought her way through the besieged crowd of journalists.
American English
- The besieged mayor held a press conference to address the scandal.
- From his besieged position, the CEO announced a new strategy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO was besieged by investors demanding answers after the profit warning.
Academic
The historian analysed how besieged populations developed unique social structures.
Everyday
After winning the lottery, he was besieged by calls from distant relatives.
Technical
In medieval warfare, a besieged castle's main vulnerability was often its water supply.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “besieged”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “besieged”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besieged”
- Using it for a single source of pressure (e.g., 'besieged by my boss' – better: 'pestered by'). It implies multiple sources or a sustained, encircling force.
- Spelling: 'beiseged', 'besiged'.
- Incorrect tense: 'They were besieging the castle last year' (correct) vs. 'They besieged the castle last year' (also correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It typically implies an overwhelming and negative pressure. 'Besieged with gifts' suggests an unpleasant, excessive influx, not a joyful one.
'Surrounded' is neutral and physical. 'Besieged' adds the crucial elements of intent (to capture/force) and sustained pressure, and it works figuratively. An army can surround a hill, but it besieges a fortress.
No. While common as a past participle/adjective (e.g., 'the besieged city'), it is a regular verb: 'Protesters besiege the building', 'They are besieging us with calls'.
The related noun is 'siege' (e.g., 'under siege', 'a long siege').
To surround a place (like a city or fortress) with armed forces in order to capture it or force surrender.
Besieged is usually formal, literary, journalistic, historical. in register.
Besieged: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsiːdʒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsiːdʒd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under siege”
- “besieged with questions”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BESIEGED city like a BEE SEALED in a jar – trapped and under constant pressure from all sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE ATTACKERS / ATTENTION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE. (e.g., 'besieged by emails').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'besieged' LEAST appropriate?