set on

set on

verb

Definition of SET ON

transitive verb

1

: attack

2

a obsolete : promote b : to urge (as a dog) to attack or pursue c : to incite to action : instigate d : to set to work

intransitive verb

: go on, advance

Examples of SET ON

1. <without warning, bandits would set on unwary merchants as they traveled along the Silk Road>

First Known Use of SET ON

14th century

Related to SET ON

Synonyms: assail, assault, beset, bushwhack, charge, descend (on or upon), go in (on), jump (on), pounce (on or upon), raid, rush, attack, sic (also sick), storm, strike, trash, turn (on)

Related Words: bum-rush, gang up (on), mob, swarm; mug, rob; ambuscade, ambush, surprise (also surprize), waylay; blitz, bomb, bombard, nuke; barrage, cannon, cannonade; bang away (at), batter, buffet, plaster; beleaguer, besiege, press; harry, loot, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack; foray, invade, overrun; envelop, flank

Near Antonyms: cover, defend, guard, protect, secure, shield

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