Belegeren
Example: Het leger besloot het kasteel te belegeren tot overgave.
Definition
"Belegeren" means to surround and blockade a place, especially a fortress or city, with armed forces to force its surrender. It involves cutting off supplies and reinforcements, typically used in historical or military contexts, such as besieging a castle until it capitulates.
Etymology
The Dutch word "belegeren" comes from the Middle Dutch 'belegeren,' derived from 'leger,' meaning 'army' or 'camp.' It literally means 'to lay an army against' a place. Did you know? The concept of besieging dates back to ancient warfare where armies would encircle fortified places to force them into submission.
Learn to use this word actively
"Belegeren" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - History - (A2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used words.
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