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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.

siege

/siːdʒ/ /siːdʒ/

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.

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