beleaguered
UK: bɪˈliːɡəd | US: bɪˈliːɡərd
adj. 1. Besieged or surrounded by military forces.
adj. 2. Harassed or troubled persistently.
beleaguered = be<around> + leaguer<siege camp>
- be (prefix, from Old English "be-", meaning "around" or "thoroughly")
- leaguer (root, from Dutch "leger" or German "Lager," meaning "camp" or "siege position")
Etymology Origin:
The word "beleaguered" originates from military terminology, combining the intensifying prefix "be-" with "leaguer," derived from Dutch/German terms for a military camp. Historically, it described armies surrounding a fortress ("be-leaguer" = to camp around). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any persistent pressure or harassment, retaining its vivid imagery of encirclement.
The beleaguered city finally surrendered after months of siege.
The CEO faced beleaguered shareholders demanding answers.
Refugees fled the beleaguered region under constant shelling.
Her beleaguered expression revealed years of stress.
The team’s beleaguered defense struggled against relentless attacks.