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

There was listless offense at the plate both nights, amounting to one run off Arizona’s beleaguered pitching staff in 18 innings.

From Los Angeles Times

This was a game to make the eyes bleed, but at least the beleaguered Rangers manager saw something different from his team - organisation, resilience, a clean sheet.

From BBC

For the beleaguered people of Venezuela, mired in more than a decade of crisis — hyperinflation, food shortages, authoritarian rule and rigged elections — a new phase of anxiety is once again rattling nerves.

From Los Angeles Times

And yet, in recent weeks, the beleaguered party has begun to exhibit signs of life.

From Los Angeles Times

The plan is being widely condemned by humanitarian agencies and indeed many of Israel's allies for its potential to add untold human suffering onto the shoulders of an already exhausted and beleaguered people.

From BBC

Related Words

• annoy 
• bedevil 
• beset 
• plague