beleaguer

UK: /bɪˈliːɡə/ US: /bɪˈligɚ/ ,(bi lē′gər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•lea•guer /bɪˈligɚ/   v. [~ + object]

1. to surround and attack with military forces:
   The city was beleaguered for days by the enemy.
2. to give trouble or difficulties to;
   harass:
   the beleaguered taxpayers.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•lea•guer  (bi lē′gər), v.t. 

1. to surround with military forces.
2. to surround or beset, as with troubles.

• be- + leaguer¹ 1580–90

be•lea′guer•er, n. 
Synonyms

• 2. . harass, pester, badger, bother, vex, annoy, plague, hector.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

beleaguer / bɪˈliːɡə/ verb (transitive)

1. to trouble persistently; harass
2. to lay siege to

Etymology: 16th Century: from be- + leaguer¹