Main Entry: ¹set

Pronunciation: \ˈset\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): set; set·ting

Etymology: Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2 a : 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
4 a : 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 1 <set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5 : to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>
6 a : 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>
7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty b : post, station
8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar>
9 a : 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>
11 a : 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>
12 a : 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 (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>
13 a : 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>
14 a : 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 (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : stud, dot <clear sky set with stars> b : to fix (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>
18 a : 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> d : value, rate <their promises were set at naught> 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>
20 a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother>
21 a : 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
23 a : 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 (as fruit or seed) to developintransitive verb 1 chiefly dialect : sit
2 : to be becoming : be suitable : fit <the coat sets well>
3 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4 a : 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 (as running)
5 of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6 a : 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>
8 : to have a specified direction in motion : flow, tend <the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm — Esther Forbes>
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>
11 a : 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 : to begin to do

— set apart 1 : to reserve to a particular use
2 : to make noticeable or outstanding

— set aside 1 : to put to one side : discard
2 : to reserve for a purpose : save
3 : dismiss
4 : annul, overrule

— set at : to mount an attack on : assail <would go although…devils should set at me — Charlotte Yonge>

— set eyes on : to catch sight of

— set foot in : enter

— set foot on : to step onto

— set forth 1 : to give an account or statement of
2 : to start out on a journey

— set forward 1 : further
2 : to start out on a journey

— set in motion : to give impulse to <sets the story in motion vividly — Howard Thompson>

— set one's hand to : to become engaged in

— set one's heart on : resolve vt 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>

— set one's house in order : to organize one's affairs

— set one's sights on : to determine to pursue

— set one's teeth on edge : irritate, annoy

— set one straight : to correct someone by providing accurate information

— set sail : to start out on a course; especially : to begin a voyage <set sail for Bermuda>

— set store by or set store on : to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile

— set the stage : to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>

— set to music : to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)

— set upon : to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>