beleaguer
UK[bɪˈliːɡə]US[bɪˈliːɡər]
v
to surround with an army so as to prevent escape; to besiege.
v
to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something over a period of time; to harass.
Morpheme Breakdown
be
leaguer
be
around, all over
leaguer
Etymology
the word 'beleaguer' is a direct borrowing from the dutch military term 'belegeren', which means "to camp around, to besiege". it entered english in the late 16th century, a period of significant military and cultural exchange between england and the low countries. the dutch 'leger' (camp) is related to the english verb 'to lie', both tracing back to a proto-germanic root meaning "to lay down or place". thus, the literal sense of "to place an army around" evolved into the modern dual meaning of physical siege and persistent, troublesome harassment.
Analysis
Structure: be + leaguer
- be- (prefix): from old english 'be-', a form of 'by'. in this context, it functions as an intensifier meaning "around, all over".
- leaguer (root): from dutch 'leger' or middle dutch 'leger', meaning "a camp, an army encampment". its functional role is as the core noun root.
Examples
the castle was beleaguered for months before finally surrendering.
the beleaguered company faced lawsuits from multiple directions.
she felt beleaguered by the constant demands of her new job.