noun

1. the encirclement of a fortified place by an opposing armed force intending to take it, usually by blockade and bombardment
2. any persistent attempt to gain control, overcome opposition, etc.
3. ☆ a long, distressing or wearying period a siege of illness

4. Etymology: ME sege < OFr < VL *sedicum < *sedicare, to set < L sedere, to sit

   Obsolete a seat; throne

Etymology: ME sege < OFr siege, aphetic < *assiege < VL *absedium, for L obsidium, siege, blockade, ambush < obsidere, to besiege < ob-, against + sedere, to sit

transitive verb sieged, sieging sieg′·ing