beset

1 of 2

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

besetment

2 of 2

noun

be·​set·​ment bi-ˈset-mənt How to pronounce besetment (audio)
bē-
plural -s
1
: the action of besetting or the condition of being beset
would invite besetment in the frozen sea—Glen Jacobsen
2
: something by which one is beset : trouble, vexation
the small besetments and annoyances of life
especially : a besetting sin, weakness, or failing

Synonyms of beset

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Verb

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Examples of beset in a Sentence

Verb 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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Verb
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

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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

See All Rhymes for beset

Browse Nearby Words

beseem
beset
besetment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 28 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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