beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

bē-

beset; besetting

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 

bē-

noun

Synonyms of beset

• plague
• afflict
• persecute
• besiege

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

Terraforming remains a distant and deeply speculative prospect beset by enormous scientific and engineering challenges. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

The second withdrawal of assistance that appeared to beset Ukraine Wednesday also suggests Trump is squeezing them harder. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

His remarks evoked a world on edge, beset by growing social and economic divides and the uneven effects of globalization. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

The new Roadster is set to arrive in an EV market beset by high energy prices, political turmoil, and consumer uncertainty. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 14 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for beset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette
• cadet

Kids Definition

beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

beset; besetting

1

: to trouble with problems

2

: to set upon : assail