set
verb
\ ˈset
\
\
set;
setting
Definition of set
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2a
: to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them
b
: to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3
: to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4a
: to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability
set a ladder against the wall set a stone on the grave
b
: transplant sense 1
set seedlings
c(1)
: to make (a trap) ready to catch prey
(2)
: to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish
d
: to put aside (something, such as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5
: to direct with fixed attention
set your mind to it
6a
: to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation
slaves were set free set the house on fire
b
: to cause the start of
set a fire
8
: to cause to assume a specified posture or position
set the door ajar
9a
: to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance
the years have set their mark on him
b
: affix
c
: apply
set a match to kindling
10
: to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : prescribe
set a wedding day set the rules for the game
11a
: to establish as the highest level or best performance
set a record for the half mile
b
: to furnish as a pattern or model
set an example of generosity
c
: to allot as a task
setting lessons for the children to work upon at home — Manchester Examiner
12a
: to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position
set the alarm for 7:00 set a thermostat at 68
also
: to adjust (something, such as a clock) in conformity with a standard
b
: to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured
set a broken bone
c
: to spread to the wind
set the sails
13a
: to put in order for use
set a place for a guest
b
: to make scenically ready for a performance
set the stage
c(1)
: to arrange (type) for printing
set type by hand
(2)
: to put into type or its equivalent (as on film)
set the first word in italic
14a
: to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing
set a razor
b
: to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions
c
: to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15
: to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16
: to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (such as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
b
: to fix (something, such as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting
c
: to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting
a story set in Paris
18a
: to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of
sets a great deal by daily exercise
b
: to place in a relative rank or category
set duty before pleasure
c
: to fix at a certain amount
set bail at $500
e
: to place as an estimate of worth
set a high value on life
19
: to place in relation for comparison or balance
theory set against practice
20a
: to direct to action
b
: to incite to attack or antagonism
war sets brother against brother
21a
: to place by transporting
was set ashore on the island
b
: to put in motion
c
: to put and fix in a direction
set our faces toward home once more
d
of a dog
: to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22
: to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23a
: to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to
set her jaw in determination
b
: to make unyielding or obstinate
24
: to cause to become firm or solid
set milk for cheese
25
: to cause (fruit or seed) to develop
2
: to be becoming : be suitable : fit
the coat sets well
3
: to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4a
: to affect one with or as if with weight
the pudding sets heavily on my stomach
b
: to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (such as running)
5
of a plant part
: to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6a
: to pass below the horizon : go down
the sun sets
b
: to come to an end
this century sets with little mirth— Thomas Fuller
7
: to apply oneself to some activity
set to work
9
of a dog
: to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10
: to dance face to face with another in a square dance
set to your partner and turn
11a
: to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration
the cement sets rapidly
b
of a dye or color
: to become permanent
c
of a bone
: to become whole by growing together
set about
set apart
set aside
: to begin to do
1
: to reserve to a particular use
2
: to make noticeable or outstanding