besieged

Besieged is an adjective used to describe a person, city, fortress, or army that is surrounded by enemy forces with the intent to compel surrender. It can also be used as a verb, as in “to besiege,” meaning to surround and threaten or attack a target. In historical and military contexts, a besieged location is typically cut off from relief, food, and communications.

Etymology: The term derives from the Old French besiegier/besieger, ultimately from Latin obsidēre, meaning to blockade or sit in on; related forms appear in several Romance languages. The concept is ancient, present from classical antiquity through modern warfare.

In siege warfare, defenders may strengthen fortifications, launch sorties, or attempt to break the siege by relief forces. Attackers seek to isolate the besieged by surrounding it, cutting supply routes, and using artillery, mines, tunnels, or siege engines. Prolonged sieges can cause famine, disease, and civilian displacement, prompting humanitarian concerns and negotiations. International law regulates sieges and forbids starvation and collective punishment as methods of warfare.

Historical examples range from ancient sieges such as Jerusalem (70 CE) to medieval sieges like Orleans (1428–29), early modern sieges such as Malta (1565), and modern examples including Leningrad (1941–44) and Sarajevo (1992–96). The term remains in use in journalism and literature to describe cities and populations under encirclement.