Siege Meaning and Definition
Siege
Pronunciation
/siːʒ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A siege is a military procedure where a fortified place or city is surrounded and attacked by a group of soldiers or an enemy force, with the intention of capturing it or forcing its defenders to surrender.
Examples
1. “The city was under siege by the enemy forces for weeks.”
2. “The medieval castle was besieged by the attacking army.”
Synonyms
1. Blockade
2. Investment
Antonyms
1. Liberation
2. Release
Etymology
The word ‘siege’ comes from the Old French ‘siege’, which means ‘siege engine’ or ‘machine’, and is derived from the Latin ‘seges’, meaning ‘sown field’ or ‘cultivated land’.
Additional Information
A siege can be a prolonged and draining process for both the defenders and the attackers, often resulting in significant loss of life and resources. The use of siege warfare has been a notable aspect of military strategy throughout history, with ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans employing various tactics and technologies to breach enemy fortifications. In modern times, siege warfare has evolved to include advanced weaponry and tactics, such as aerial bombardment and psychological warfare. Sieges can also have a profound impact on the local population, causing displacement, hardship, and economic disruption. Sieges have been a key aspect of many famous battles and wars throughout history, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the Siege of Paris in 885-886 CE, and the Siege of Sarajevo in 1992-1996 CE. The concept of siege warfare continues to be relevant in today’s military conflicts, with ongoing efforts to develop new technologies and strategies to overcome modern fortifications and defend against enemy sieges. In addition to its military significance, the term ‘siege’ is also used figuratively to describe a situation where something or someone is under intense pressure or attack, such as a person under mental or emotional siege, or a project under siege due to financial or logistical challenges.
Usage Notes
The word ‘siege’ is typically used in a formal or literary context, and can be employed in a range of situations, including discussions of military history, grand strategy, or the effects of conflict on civilians. In everyday language, the term ‘siege’ is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone or something is under intense pressure or attack.
Cultural References
The word ‘siege’ has appeared in numerous works of literature, art, and film, including the novel ‘The Siege’ by James Wesley Rawles, the film ‘Siegfried’ by Fritz Lang, and the video game ‘Siege: Tides of a Forgotten War’. It has also been referenced in music, with bands and artists such as Megadeth and Red Hot Chili Peppers incorporating the term into their lyrics.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The term ‘siege’ is sometimes used in idiomatic expressions, such as ‘under siege’, which means under intense pressure or attack, or ‘lay siege’, which means to surround and attack a place with the intention of capturing it.
Collocations
Common collocations for the word ‘siege’ include ‘military’ (e.g. ‘military siege’), ‘long’ (e.g. ‘long siege’), and ‘deadly’ (e.g. ‘deadly siege’).
Frequency of Use
The term ‘siege’ is relatively rare in everyday language, but is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as academic or military discussions.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word ‘siege’ include ‘seige’, ‘sieg’, and ‘siegey’.