beset

verb

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

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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
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In more recent years, BioWare has also been beset by a number of high-profile departures, including founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk in 2012 and longtime producer Mac Walters in 2023. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 In One Last Time, Iger returns to an entertainment industry beset by existential threats. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 According to the suit, Jane Doe was beset by seven men while she was incapacitated by drugs and alcohol. — Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026 In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 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

beseem
beset
besetment
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Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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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