Lay siege to something
verb phrase
To surround a place with armed forces with the aim of taking control of it.
The army decided to lay siege to the enemy fort to cut off their supplies.
Often appears as...
- the troops lay siege
- lay siege to the fortress
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb phrase
To criticize or harass someone relentlessly.
The media laid siege to the mayor over his controversial policies.
Often appears as...
- media lay siege
- critics lay siege
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try continually to gain an advantage over someone or something.
Several companies are laying siege to the market leader's dominant position.
Often appears as...
- companies lay siege
- competitors lay siege
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Metaphorical
verb phrase
To surround a place with armed forces with the aim of taking control of it.
The army decided to lay siege to the enemy fort to cut off their supplies.
Often appears as...
- the troops lay siege
- lay siege to the fortress
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb phrase
To criticize or harass someone relentlessly.
The media laid siege to the mayor over his controversial policies.
Often appears as...
- media lay siege
- critics lay siege
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try continually to gain an advantage over someone or something.
Several companies are laying siege to the market leader's dominant position.
Often appears as...
- companies lay siege
- competitors lay siege
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Metaphorical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Historical Context
Understanding its origin in military actions helps grasp the severity and determination implied when used.
The general's command to lay siege to the stronghold was a declaration of an intense battle ahead.
Pro Tip 2/2Extended Siege
A siege often takes a long time, implying prolonged effort or pressure when used in non-military contexts.
Activists decided to lay siege to the corporation until their demands were met.
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