die Belagerung, -en
siege
Eine militärische Situation, in der eine Stadt oder Festung von Soldaten umgeben wird, damit niemand hinein- oder herauskommt, meist um sie zur Aufgabe zu zwingen.
Definition & meaning
The German word Belagerung refers to the military action of surrounding a fortified place (such as a castle, city, or fortress) with the intent of forcing its surrender by cutting off supplies or attacking it.
Beyond its literal military context, it can be used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is being overwhelmed, pressured, or constantly approached by a large number of people or requests (e.g., "The celebrity was under a Belagerung by fans").
Grammar & Word origin
Belagerung is a feminine noun (die Belagerung, plural: die Belagerungen).
It is derived from the German verb belagern (to besiege). The word is composed of the prefix be- (a prefix often used to turn verbs into transitive verbs) and Lager (camp or position). Historically, it describes the act of setting up a camp around an enemy position.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Einkesselung (encirclement)
- Blockade (blockade)
- Belagerungszustand (state of siege)
- Einschließung (enclosure/confinement)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Belagerung endet bald.noun
The siege will end soon.
Während der Belagerung hatten viele Menschen wenig zu essen.noun
During the siege many people had little to eat.
Viele Menschen litten während der langen Belagerung in der Stadt.noun
Many people suffered during the long siege in the city.
Nach der Belagerung mussten die Bewohner die zerstörten Mauern schnell wieder aufbauen.noun
After the siege, the residents had to quickly rebuild the destroyed walls.
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