beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
bē-
beset; besetting

transitive verb

1
: to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
a crown beset with rubies
… leaves, whose edges were beset with thorns …J. G. Frazer
2
: trouble, harass
inflation besets the economy
3
a
: to set upon : assail
the explorers were beset by wolves
b
: to hem in : surround
a town beset with high mountains
besetment noun

Examples of beset in a Sentence

A lack of money is the greatest problem besetting the city today. he's been beset by a lack of self-confidence virtually his entire life
Recent Examples on the Web The game involves a planet beset by radical changes in climate owing to the gravitational effect of three suns — that three-body problem that comprises the title. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 However, the three-time Miami Open winner has been beset by injuries of late and has played just two matches this year after returning from seven months out. Matias Grez, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beset 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beset was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near beset

Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

beset

verb
be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
beset; besetting
1
: to trouble with problems
2
: to set upon : assail

More from Merriam-Webster on beset

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