Siege - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A siege is a military tactic where an army surrounds and blocks a city or fortress to cut off supplies, forcing surrender. It can also mean any prolonged effort to overcome resistance.
Definition:
A military operation where forces surround a place to cut off supplies and force surrender.
Synonyms:
blockade, encirclement, besiegement
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
liberation, relief
Common Collocations:
lay siege to, under siege, break a siege, siege warfare, siege mentality
Derivatives:
besiege (verb), besieger (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "siege" for prolonged blockades; avoid for brief conflicts unless emphasizing isolation or pressure.
Common Phrases:
under siege, siege mentality, lift the siege
Etymology:
From Old French "sege," meaning "seat" or "blockade," ultimately from Latin "sedere" (to sit).
Examples:
- 1. The castle endured a long siege before surrendering.
- 2. Protesters laid siege to the government building for weeks.
- 3. The city was under siege during the war.
- 4. They finally broke the enemy's siege with reinforcements.