Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lay siege to
verb phrase
/leɪ siːdʒ tuː/
Definition
To surround a place, such as a city or fort, with armed forces to capture it or force its surrender.
Examples
- The army decided to lay siege to the rebel stronghold.
- After weeks of laying siege to the city, the enemy forces finally broke through the defenses.
Meaning
The phrase refers to the act of surrounding and blockading a fortified place to compel its inhabitants to surrender through persistent attacks or isolation.
Synonyms
- blockade
- encircle
- besiege
- surround
