beleaguer

Beleaguer, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Beleaguered; p. pr. & vb. n. Beleaguering.]

Etymology: [D. belegeren (akin to G. belagern, Sw. belägra, Dan. beleire); pref. be- = E. be- + leger bed, camp, army, akin to E. lair. See Lair.]

To surround with an army so as to preclude escape; to besiege; to blockade. The wail of famine in beleaguered towns. Longfellow.

Syn. -- To block up; environ; invest; encompass.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for beleaguer; he lists it under attack.

Where he writes about it:

To besiege and beleaguer are the acts of armies. — from attack