besiege
verb C2
Plain meaning
to surround a place or crowd around someone/something in large numbers
Exam-register meaning
to overwhelm or surround, literally in war or figuratively with demands, questions, or requests
In context
naturalFans besieged the actor outside the hotel.
examAfter the announcement, the admissions office was besieged with calls from anxious parents.
Common collocations
besieged by reportersbesieged with callsbesiege a city
Watch out
Use “besieged with/by,” not “besieged of.”
Word family
besiege (verb)siege (noun)besieged (adjective/past form)