Meaning
Siege means a military operation in which armed forces surround a place, cutting off essential supplies, to force those inside to surrender. It can also mean a persistent or prolonged effort or pressure in non-military contexts.
(Part of speech: noun and verb)
Grammar and Usage
- As a noun: “a siege of a city,” “under siege,” “lay siege to something.” → Refers to the act of surrounding and attacking a fortified place.
- As a verb (rare in modern use): “to siege a castle” — to surround and attack it.
Common structures
- lay siege to + place
- be under siege
- a siege of + (emotion/effort) (figurative use)
Common Phrases
- lay siege to a city — to surround a city to capture it
- be under siege — to be surrounded or attacked continuously
- a siege mentality — a defensive attitude caused by feeling constantly attacked or criticized
Collocations
- verb + siege: lay, endure, lift, break
- noun + siege: city, fortress, castle, army, resistance
- adjective + siege: long, brutal, military, psychological
Examples
- The army laid siege to the fortress for several months.
- The castle was under siege until the defenders surrendered.
- The rebels lifted the siege after a peace agreement.
- The company has developed a siege mentality after years of criticism.
- The medieval siege lasted through the entire winter.
- The city was besieged by enemy forces on all sides.
- The police laid siege to the building where the suspect was hiding.
- The small garrison held out during the long siege.
- The town’s residents suffered hunger during the siege.
- After months of siege, the gates finally fell.
Synonyms or Related
- blockade
- attack
- encirclement
- assault
- occupation
Antonym
- retreat
- withdrawal
- liberation