English Explanatory Dictionary

beleaguer

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To besiege; to surround with troops.
  2. To vex, harass, or beset.
  3. To exhaust.

Pronunciation

/bɪˈliː.ɡə/ /bəˈliː.ɡə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-beleaguer.wav /bɪˈli.ɡɚ/

Word forms

beleaguer beleaguers beleaguering beleaguered beleagure

Etymology

Borrowed from Dutch belegeren and/or Middle Low German belēgeren; equivalent to be- + lair. Compare also German belagern, Danish belejre. The English spelling was perhaps influenced by unrelated league.

Synonyms

beset belay encircle invest lay siege to badger harry plague bait bedevil beleaguer persecute bug devil chevy give someone grief harass hound pester pick at vex do for wear down exhaust fatigue fordo gas out get down jade knock up poop run someone ragged tire tire out wear wear out weary

Derived words

beleaguerer beleaguerment
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