beleaguer - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
beleaguer Word Meanings
- to surround with troubles
- to besiege or harass
- to trouble persistently
beleaguer Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- The team felt beleaguered by the many tasks.
- She was beleaguered with questions from her friends.
- The city was beleaguered by strong storms.
- He felt beleaguered after a long day at work.
- They tried to help the beleaguered group in need.
beleaguer Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bɪˈliːɡə/
US
/bɪˈliɡər/
beleaguer Word Etymology
be- = around + leaguer = to encamp; from Middle Dutch 'liggen' (to lie, to camp) → From Middle Dutch through Old French to English. Imagine being encircled by a persistent storm, as if the troubles are like a camp set up to never leave.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Beleaguer is a strong verb used to describe constant pressure or obstacles that seem to surround someone like a besieging army. In modern usage, it often refers to persistent troubles, criticisms, or stress that cluster around a person, group, or place. You might say a city was beleaguered by bad weather and protests, or a company was beleaguered by lawsuits and management upheaval. The tone is usually negative, highlighting relentless difficulties rather than one-off problems. Although it originally conveys siege-like encirclement, figurative use is common in journalism and fiction. Use it to emphasize ongoing, overwhelming challenges rather than casual annoyances.
Usage Reminders
- Beleaguer implies persistent pressure or trouble, not a single incident.
- Often used with by/with to indicate the source of pressure (beleaguered by storms, beleaguered with lawsuits).
- Stronger and more formal/archaic than everyday harass or beset.
- Usually describes ongoing hardship affecting reputation or functioning.
- More common in journalism, history, or fiction than casual speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Not the same as a literal siege; often used figuratively for persistent pressure.
- Stronger and more formal than merely 'harass' or 'trouble'.
- Not used for a single minor problem; implies ongoing difficulty.
- Often paired with 'by' or 'with' to show the source of pressure.
- Can carry an old-fashioned or literary tone.
Thinking Differences
Beleaguer is formal and a bit old-fashioned; learners often mix it with besiege or harass. It signals ongoing pressure more than a momentary annoyance.
Learning Tips
- Learn the common collocations: beleaguered by/with.
- Associate with persistent challenges rather than one-off troubles.
- Pair with nouns like weather, protests, lawsuits, criticism.
- Notice the formal/archaic tone; use in appropriate settings.
- Differentiate from besiege and harass by context.
- Practice in news, literature, and occasional formal writing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'beleaguer'?
A.To repair something
B.To celebrate joyfully
C.To ignore completely
D.To surround with armed forces
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'beleaguer' used correctly?
A.She beleaguered the good news with her friends.
B.The city was beleaguered by enemy forces for months.
C.He decided to beleaguer the old car and make it new again.
D.The teacher beleaguered the difficult math problem and solved it.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is an antonym of 'beleaguer'?
A.Defend
B.Protect
C.Support
D.Assist
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context might you encounter the word 'beleaguer'?
A.Watching a science fiction movie set in space
B.Reading about a historical siege in a history book
C.Talking about sports strategies in a podcast
D.Discussing cooking techniques in a recipe blog
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give a personal example sentence using the word 'beleaguer'?
A.Sure, I happily beleaguered my friend with good news.
B.Sure, I ignored the problem completely and felt beleaguered.
C.Sure, I felt beleaguered when faced with multiple deadlines at work.
D.Sure, I ran away from the beleaguered situation.
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