besiege

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb surround so as to force to give up
  2. verb cause to feel distressed or worried
  3. verb harass, as with questions or requests

Etymology

From Middle English besegen, bisegen, equivalent to be- (“around, about”) + siege.

In classic literature

Synonyms

beleaguer, surround, hem in, circumvent

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