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siege
military blockade / to surround and capture
Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: siegespast: siegedpp: siegeding: sieging
The word carries a heavy atmosphere of claustrophobia, desperation, and attrition. It is not just about a battle, but about the slow, agonizing process of exhaustion where the goal is to break the will of the opponent by denying them basic necessities like food and water.
Countable when referring to a specific historical event or military campaign (the siege of Vicksburg). Uncountable when describing the general state of being surrounded or pressured (the city was under siege).
Meanings
Examples
The siege lasted weeks.
The empire collapsed following a relentless siege.
History
Related Words
blockadeinvestmentencirclementliberationrelieffortressbastionstrongholdcitadelcastlerampartwalltrenchmoatartillerycannoncatapulttrebuchetbattering ramassaultinvasionconquestsurrendercapitulationattritionstarvationembargogarrisondefenderattackerarmymilitarywarfareconflictcampaignsiege enginebreachescalade