siege

• Opération militaire par laquelle des forces armées encerclent et isolent une place fortifiée tout en poursuivant son attaque.

A military operation in which an armed force surrounds and isolates a fortified place while continuing to attack it.

1. Military blockadeB2formal

   A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town, building, or fortress, cutting off supplies and isolating it to force surrender.

   Siège militaire

   • The city endured a long siege before finally surrendering.
   • The army laid siege to the castle for several months.
   • During the siege, food and water supplies were completely cut off.

   Synonymesblockadeinvestment

2. Prolonged period of difficultyB2formal

   A situation in which someone or something is under constant pressure, attack, or hardship for a long time.

   Épreuve prolongée

   • The company is under siege from competitors and financial troubles.
   • The family faced a siege of bad luck after the accident.
   • The politician was under siege from the media over the scandal.

   Synonymesafflictionhardshipordealstruggletrialtribulation