Antonyms for the phrase "lays siege to" could include phrases like "withdraws," "relinquishes," or "abandonment." The opposite of laying siege would be to remove oneself from a location or to give up an effort to conquer or occupy. Another antonym for laying siege might be "disperse," which suggests the dissipation of an attacking force. In a figurative sense, synonyms for laying siege that have opposite meanings would include "releases," "frees," or "liberates." These words describe an action that sets something or someone free, whereas laying siege is a restrictive and forceful act meant to dominate or control.