How Do You Spell SIEGE?

Pronunciation: [sˈiːd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "siege" is important to understand because it can be easily confused with similar-sounding words. The correct pronunciation (seɪdʒ) is represented using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The "ie" combination in "siege" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, while the "g" at the end is silent. This spelling is derived from the French word "siège", meaning "seat" or "throne". In modern usage, "siege" refers to a military tactic of surrounding and isolating a location to force surrender.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SIEGE Meaning and Definition

  1. A siege refers to a military tactic employed to surround and besiege a fortified location such as a city, town, or castle, with the aim of capturing it by force or attrition. It involves encircling the target, cutting off its supply lines, and preventing escape or reinforcement. The primary objective of a siege is to compel the enemy to surrender due to a lack of resources or through exhaustion and despair.

    During a siege, the attacking force establishes defensive positions, constructs fortifications, and systematically starves the defenders by cutting off their food, water, and other essential supplies. This strategy often involves the use of blockades, erecting barricades, or digging tunnels to infiltrate the enemy's defenses. Siege warfare can last for extended periods, ranging from weeks to months or even years, depending on the strength and resilience of the defenders.

    Historically, sieges have played a crucial role in warfare, with notable examples including the Siege of Troy, Siege of Masada, and Siege of Orleans. However, advancements in military technology, such as the introduction of gunpowder and artillery, have made traditional sieges less prevalent in modern warfare.

    Metaphorically, the term "siege" can also be used to describe a persistent and relentless attack or pressure on an individual, group, or institution, aiming to weaken or eliminate its resistance or influence.

  2. The act or operation of attacking a fortress or fortified town under cover of earth thrown up from trenches, to compel its surrender; any continued endeavour to gain possession.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SIEGE

Etymology of SIEGE

The word "siege" originated from the Old French word "sege" or "siège", which in turn came from the Late Latin word "sedicum". The Late Latin term was derived from the Latin word "sedere", meaning "to sit". In medieval warfare, a siege involved surrounding a castle or fortified position and sitting outside its walls to starve or weaken the defenders until they surrendered. Over time, the term "siege" extended its meaning to cover any prolonged period of blockade or encirclement, not only concerned with military matters.

Idioms with the word SIEGE

  • lay siege to The idiom "lay siege to" means to surround or blockade a place in order to conquer or capture it. It typically refers to a military tactic of cutting off all access to a target, either by land or by sea, to weaken and eventually overcome it. Figuratively, it can also describe persistent and relentless efforts to achieve a goal or conquer a challenge.
  • lay siege to something The idiom "lay siege to something" refers to a situation where someone or something is surrounded or attacked in a persistent and determined manner, often in an attempt to gain control or overcome obstacles. It can be used metaphorically to describe an intense effort to overpower or overwhelm a person, organization, or an idea.
  • a siege mentality The idiom "a siege mentality" refers to a state of mind or the collective mindset of a group or organization characterized by a belief that they are surrounded by hostile forces or under constant attack. It is often associated with excessive defensiveness, paranoia, and a heightened sense of vigilance. The term is derived from the historical practice of a siege, where an army surrounds a fortified place to cut off supplies and render the inhabitants vulnerable.

Similar spelling words for SIEGE

Plural form of SIEGE is SIEGES

Conjugate verb Siege

CONDITIONAL

I would siege
you would siege
he/she/it would siege
we would siege
they would siege

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be sieging
you would be sieging
he/she/it would be sieging
we would be sieging
they would be sieging

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have siege
you would have siege
he/she/it would have siege
we would have siege
they would have siege

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been sieging
you would have been sieging
he/she/it would have been sieging
we would have been sieging
they would have been sieging

FUTURE

I will siege
you will siege
he/she/it will siege
we will siege
they will siege

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sieging
you will be sieging
he/she/it will be sieging
we will be sieging
they will be sieging

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sieged
you will have sieged
he/she/it will have sieged
we will have sieged
they will have sieged

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sieging
you will have been sieging
he/she/it will have been sieging
we will have been sieging
they will have been sieging

IMPERATIVE

you siege
we let´s siege

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to siege

PAST

I sieged
you sieged
he/she/it sieged
we sieged
they sieged

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sieging
you were sieging
he/she/it was sieging
we were sieging
they were sieging

PAST PARTICIPLE

sieged

PAST PERFECT

I had sieged
you had sieged
he/she/it had sieged
we had sieged
they had sieged

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sieging
you had been sieging
he/she/it had been sieging
we had been sieging
they had been sieging

PRESENT

I siege
you siege
he/she/it sieges
we siege
they siege

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sieging
you are sieging
he/she/it is sieging
we are sieging
they are sieging

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sieging

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sieged
you have sieged
he/she/it has sieged
we have sieged
they have sieged

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sieging
you have been sieging
he/she/it has been sieging
we have been sieging
they have been sieging
I would have sieged
we would have sieged
you would have sieged
he/she/it would have sieged
they would have sieged

Infographic

Correct spelling for siege
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