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siege

noun

/sidʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of siege

A military tactic in which an army surrounds a city or fortress, cutting off all outside access to supplies, communication, and reinforcements.
"The city was under siege for six months before finally surrendering to the enemy."

Detailed meaning of siege

The goal of a siege is to force the enemy to surrender or to weaken them to the point of defeat. A siege can last for days, weeks, or even months, during which time the besieged may suffer from starvation, disease, and other hardships. The attacking army may use a variety of weapons and tactics, such as bombardment with artillery, mining, and tunneling, to breach the defenses of the city or fortress. The term "siege" can also be used metaphorically to describe a persistent, prolonged effort to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle.

Example sentences containing siege

1. The city endured a brutal siege that lasted for months.
2. The siege brought the town to its knees, cutting off all supply routes.
3. The defenders barricaded themselves within the castle walls during the siege.
4. The besieging army launched a fierce attack on the city walls.
5. The citizens huddled together, fearing the outcome of the siege.
6. The siege engines pounded the fortress relentlessly.

History and etymology of siege

The noun 'siege' has its roots in the Old French word 'sege,' which means 'seat' or 'throne.' In medieval warfare, a siege was a tactic in which an army would encircle a city or fortress, effectively 'sitting down' or establishing a prolonged position around it. The aim of a siege was to cut off all outside access to supplies, communication, and reinforcements, gradually wearing down the defenders until they were forced to surrender. Over time, 'siege' took on its modern military connotation, representing the strategic and often lengthy process of besieging a fortified location. The etymology of 'siege' underscores its historical connection to the idea of surrounding and isolating a stronghold, highlighting its role as a key tactic in military history for capturing or defending fortified positions.

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Further usage examples of siege

1. Food and water supplies dwindled rapidly under the prolonged siege.
2. The siege took a toll on the mental and physical well-being of the inhabitants.
3. The defenders displayed remarkable resilience throughout the siege.
4. The siege culminated in a dramatic final battle.
5. The enemy forces lifted the siege and retreated in defeat.
6. The aftermath of the siege left the city in ruins.
7. The siege created a sense of solidarity among the besieged.
8. The siege was a turning point in the conflict, shifting the balance of power.
9. The besiegers employed various strategies to weaken the defenders during the siege.
10. The siege disrupted trade and commerce in the region.
11. The commander devised a clever plan to break the siege.
12. The siege was eventually broken by reinforcements from neighboring kingdoms.
13. The citizens celebrated the end of the siege with joyous festivities.
14. The tales of the heroic deeds during the siege became legendary.

Obstacles and Hardships, Conflict and Disagreement, Ravage and Ruin, Fear and Ferocity, Adversity and Obstacle, Discomfort and Distress, Determination and Tenacity, Endurance and Resilience, Tactical Maneuvers and Control, Conflict and Conquest

assault,confinement

beleaguering,besiegement,blockade,containment,encampment,encirclement,isolation