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beleaguer

[ bih-lee-ger ]
/ bɪˈli gər /
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See synonyms for: beleaguer / beleaguered on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
to surround with military forces.
to surround or beset, as with troubles.
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Origin of beleaguer

First recorded in 1580–90; be- + leaguer1

OTHER WORDS FROM beleaguer

be·lea·guer·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use beleaguer in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for beleaguer

beleaguer
/ (bɪˈliːɡə) /

verb (tr)
to trouble persistently; harass
to lay siege to

Word Origin for beleaguer

C16: from be- + leaguer 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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