siege

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

Etymology

From Middle English sege, from Old French sege, siege, seige (modern French siège), from Vulgar Latin *sēdicum, from Latin sēdicŭlum, sēdēcula (“small seat”), from Latin sēdēs (“seat”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

besieging, beleaguering, military blockade

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