beleaguer

American  

[bih-lee-ger] / bɪˈli gər /

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

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beleaguer British  

/ bɪˈliːɡə /

verb

1. to trouble persistently; harass

2. to lay siege to

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Other Word Forms

• beleaguerer noun

Etymology

Origin of beleaguer

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

Example Sentences

Alex was a beautiful and beleaguered soul, born worried, born romantic, difficult and hopeful and apparently a shockingly good poker player.

From Los Angeles Times

For Iran’s beleaguered government, winning requires hunkering down as its attackers face diminishing returns from each new day of battle.

From Barron's

Havana relies heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation, and the oil blockade has brought Cuba's beleaguered economy close to collapse.

From BBC

Is help on the way for beleaguered oil consumers?

From The Wall Street Journal

But investors have no shortage of things going on to make them feel nervous, like markdowns or losses on loans at other credit funds, especially in the beleaguered software sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annoy
• bedevil
• beset
• plague