Beleaguering is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it has a very interesting meaning. It is a word that is often used in military contexts, and it is usually associated with a state of siege or blockade. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning in different dictionaries, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and example sentences of beleaguering.
Definitions
Beleaguering is a verb that means to surround a place with troops or to lay siege to a city or fortress. It is also used to describe a state of being under siege or blockade, where the inhabitants of a place are cut off from the outside world and unable to receive supplies or reinforcements.
Origin
The word beleaguering comes from the Old Dutch word belegeren, which means to besiege. It was first used in English in the 16th century and has been in use ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, beleaguering means to surround a place with troops or to lay siege to a city or fortress. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as to surround with troops or to besiege. The Collins Dictionary defines it as to lay siege to a city or fortress.
Associations
Beleaguering is often associated with military tactics and warfare. It is also associated with a state of siege or blockade, where the inhabitants of a place are cut off from the outside world and unable to receive supplies or reinforcements.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of beleaguering include besieging, blockading, encircling, surrounding, and investing.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for beleaguering, but some words that are the opposite of the state of siege or blockade include freedom, liberation, and relief.
The same root words
The root word of beleaguering is the Old Dutch word belegeren, which means to besiege. Some other words that have the same root include beleaguer, beleaguerment, and beleagueringly.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word beleaguering:
- The city was beleaguered by enemy troops for months, and the inhabitants were running out of food and supplies.
- The army decided to beleaguer the fortress, hoping to starve the defenders into surrendering.
- The blockade of the port left the city beleaguered and unable to receive supplies from the outside world.
Beleaguering is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it has an interesting meaning that is often associated with military tactics and warfare. It is a word that describes a state of siege or blockade, where the inhabitants of a place are cut off from the outside world and unable to receive supplies or reinforcements. Knowing the meaning of this word can help us understand historical events and military strategies.