Synonyms for

Siege

Verb / si:dʒ / Another word for siege — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A military operation in which an enemy surrounds a town or building, trying to take control of it.

Synonyms & similar words

besieging beleaguering militaryblockade blockade encirclement investiture besiegement assault attack onslaught invasion occupation subjugation conquest obliteration annihilation destruction massacre slaughter extermination decimation liquidation elimination

Synonyms by register

Formal

blockade encirclement investment confinement

Informal

trap surround pin down

Literary

beleaguerment investment

Antonyms

relief escape freedom liberation release surrender

Common collocations

  • lay siege to
  • under siege
  • lift the siege
  • end the siege
  • break the siege
  • a long siege
  • military siege

Word family

noun siege
verb besiege

Usage note

While 'siege' primarily refers to a military operation, it can be used metaphorically to describe a persistent or overwhelming attack or pressure.

Example sentences

  1. The enemy army laid siege to the castle.
  2. The city was under siege for months.
  3. The defenders managed to hold out during the siege.
  4. The siege ended when the attackers withdrew.
  5. The siege caused food and water shortages in the city.

Quotes

  • 'A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault.' - James G. Stavridis
  • 'The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.' - Ulysses S. Grant
  • 'In war, the human factor cannot be disregarded.' - John Keegan

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