beset

verb

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

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
bi-ˈset-mənt How to pronounce beset (audio)
bē-
noun

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Journal story was focused on the legal and financial woes that beset Bryant, who was battling Alzheimer’s. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025 In New South Wales, Australian Defence Force personnel, state emergency services and police were pre-positioned in the Northern Rivers – an area beset by flooding in recent years. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 More recently, she was beset by an array of serious health problems, ranging from pneumonia to breast cancer. — Corey Seymour, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 Owners of the financially troubled aquarium chain SeaQuest, whose Folsom location was beset by claims of animal abuse, asked an Idaho bankruptcy judge Friday to approve the company’s sale for the cost of a luxury sedan. — Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beset

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

Rhymes for beset

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Browse Nearby Words

beset
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Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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

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Nglish: Translation of beset for Spanish Speakers

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