beleaguer

[bih-lee-ger]

verb (used with object)

1. to surround with military forces.

2. to surround or beset, as with troubles.

   Synonyms: hector, plague, annoy, vex, vex, bother, badger, pester, harass

beleaguer

/ bɪˈliːɡə /

verb

1. to trouble persistently; harass

2. to lay siege to

Other Word Forms

• beleaguerer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beleaguer¹

First recorded in 1580–90; be- + leaguer ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of beleaguer¹

C16: from _be- + _leaguer ¹

Example Sentences

The mayor is embracing elements of the effort he thinks could help his beleaguered city, while also working to blunt aspects he finds problematic.

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Last week she celebrated an event whose significance in her beleaguered land extends well beyond the spiritual: the canonization by Pope Leo XIV of two of her compatriots, the first Catholic saints in Venezuelan history.

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Zohran Mamdani may not solve all of the beleaguered US Democrats' problems, but the surprise frontrunner in the race for New York mayor does offer hints on how to win back voters and power.

Read more on Barron's

In his start against the Brewers last week, Snell needed 103 pitches to work eight innings, leaving the Dodgers’ beleaguered bullpen to handle all of three outs.

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The executive observed that, during the collapse of Bear Stearns in March 2008, regulators and executives had several nights and a weekend to organize a bailout and sale of the beleaguered bank.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• annoy 
• bedevil 
• beset 
• plague