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, badger, pester, harass, bother

beleaguer

/ bɪˈliːɡə /

verb

1. to trouble persistently; harass
2. to lay siege to

Other Words From

• be·lea·guer·er 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

They weren’t so rosy, however, about how the program’s been rolled out and unintended consequences it has had on the already beleaguered private childcare industry.

From Voice of San Diego

Not only is it beginning to push the already beleaguered childcare industry to a breaking point, but some feel its rollout at San Diego Unified hasn’t been ideal.

From Voice of San Diego

It comes obviously from a sense of people’s own histories of being beleaguered and having their dignity removed.

From Washington Blade

A lack of chips, computer not tortilla, is wreaking havoc on the already beleaguered restaurant and bar industry, the latest victim of a pandemic-induced worldwide shortage that has disrupted the manufacturing of smartphones, cars and more.

From Washington Post

IRS staffingTaxpayers will face more frustration because the IRS workforce is beleaguered.

From Washington Post

And yet I cannot think that any Scottish or French rovers could land in such force as to beleaguer the fortalice.

From Project Gutenberg

Somehow that seemed to make her matter less, and Dodo had not at present made any determined effort to beleaguer her.

From Project Gutenberg

For Edward took his army to beleaguer Calais, and after blockading it for nearly a year forced it to surrender.

From Project Gutenberg

The bold beleaguer'd post the hero gains, And the hard siege with various fate sustains.

From Project Gutenberg

In his tragedy of Ezelino, after the tyrant's downfall, a captain is sent to beleaguer Treviso, and reduce Ezelino's garrison.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annoy
• bedevil
• beset
• plague