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beset

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

Definition of beset

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
3a : to set upon : assail the explorers were beset by wolves
b : to hem in : surround a town beset with high mountains
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Other Words from beset

besetment \ bi-​ˈset-​mənt How to pronounce besetment (audio) , bē-​ \ 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

 Owing to a combination of his physical style of play and plain misfortune, though, Luck was beset by injury. — Robert O'connell, The Atlantic, "Andrew Luck Chooses Himself Over the NFL," 26 Aug. 2019 The Registry has been beset by a series of failings, especially its handling of Zhukovskyy’s record. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "Healey, an RMV critic, sits on panel charged with oversseeing unit at center of scandal," 19 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beset.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of beset

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

History and Etymology for beset

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

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More Definitions for beset

beset

verb
How to pronounce beset (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of beset

: to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)

See the full definition for beset in the English Language Learners Dictionary

beset

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

Kids Definition of beset

1 : to attack violently The traveler was beset by wild beasts.
2 : surround sense 1 a moon beset with clouds
3 : to cause problems or difficulties for Doubts beset him.

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