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Wordabulary

besiege

Pronunciation
Verb B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

To surround a place with armed forces to try to capture it, or to overwhelm someone with requests.

"Reporters besieged the actor's hotel, hoping for a single comment."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

surround overwhelm

Usage notes

The figurative sense, being besieged with questions, is now more common in everyday speech than the literal military one.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Reporters _____ the actor's hotel, hoping for a single comment."

Answer: besiege

In your own words, what does "besiege" mean?

To surround a place with armed forces to try to capture it, or to overwhelm someone with requests.

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