U

beleaguer

verb (used with object)

to surround with military forces.
to surround or beset, as with troubles.

verb (tr)

to trouble persistently; harass
to lay siege to

1580s, from Dutch or Low German belegeren “to besiege,” from be- “around” (see be-) + legeren “to camp,” from leger “bed, camp, army, lair,” from Proto-Germanic *leg-raz-, from PIE *legh-to- “lie” (see lie (v.2)). A word from the Flemish Wars (cf. Swedish belägra, Dutch belegeren “besiege,” German Belagerung “siege”). Spelling influenced by league. Related: Beleaguered; beleaguering.