besiege

• Verb, das das militärische Einkreisen und Angreifen eines Ortes bezeichnet, um ihn zu erobern oder zur Übergabe zu zwingen; außerdem bildlich für das Bedrängen oder Überschütten einer Person mit Bitten, Fragen oder Beschwerden.

A verb used to indicate the act of surrounding a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender, or to overwhelm someone with requests or complaints.

1. Surround to force surrenderB2formal

   To surround a place with armed forces in order to force it to surrender.

   Belagerung

   • The army besieged the castle for months.
   • Enemy troops besieged the city, cutting off all supplies.
   • The fortress was besieged by a large force.

   Synonymebeleaguerblockadeencircleinvestsurround

2. Cause distress or worryC1formal

   To overwhelm someone with problems, worries, or difficulties.

   Bedrängen (im übertragenen Sinn)

   • She was besieged by doubts about her decision.
   • The family was besieged by financial troubles.
   • He felt besieged by anxiety before the exam.

   Synonymeassailbeleaguerbesetharasshoundoverwhelmplaguetorment

3. Harass with questions or requestsC1formal

   To overwhelm someone with many questions, requests, or demands.

   Mit Fragen bedrängen

   • The celebrity was besieged by fans asking for autographs.
   • Reporters besieged the politician with questions after the speech.
   • The teacher was besieged by students asking for help.

   Synonymeassailbadgerbombarddelugehoundinundateoverwhelmpesterplagueswamp