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To besiege or surround with troubles; to harass or to trouble persistently.
synonyms:besiegeharass
The word 'beleaguer' comes from the Dutch 'belegeren', which means 'to besiege'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century, primarily in a military context before evolving to encompass a broader sense of persistent trouble or harassment.
The word is often used in everyday conversation and writing, particularly when discussing stressful situations or persistent problems.
While not used daily by everyone, 'beleaguer' is common enough in literature and discussions about challenges or difficulties, making it familiar to many.
After weeks of sleepless nights and constant deadlines, she felt beleaguered by her workload.
The beleaguered community sought assistance after a series of natural disasters left them struggling to rebuild.
He was beleaguered by doubt as he prepared for the big presentation.
The term 'beleaguer' paints a vivid picture of being surrounded or besieged, much like an army encircling a fortified position. Its roots in Dutch give it a historical flair, reminding us of the strategic maneuvers of the past. Today, we can use it to describe not just military tactics but also the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges. Whether it’s work, relationships, or even pesky responsibilities, we’ve all felt beleaguered at times, making this an especially relatable word.