'besiege' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'besieger', where 'be-' meant 'around' and 'siege' meant 'seat or throne'.

'besieger' transformed into the Middle English word 'bisegen', and eventually became the modern English word 'besiege'.

Initially, it meant 'to sit around or encircle', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to surround with armed forces'.