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

In the days after 9/11, the fear of what might come next beset famously unflappable Gotham. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Sally gets a burgeoning love story with investigator Gary Hallet (Aidan Quinn), but Gillian is beset by a love gone to rot with domestic violence. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

In August 2023, several UK airports and airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of departures and flight arrivals on the final day of the summer public holiday weekend after a major glitch beset NATS. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Bailey also faces a Republican base beset by conspiracy theories and infighting over the party’s leadership, something that led Tracy to resign as state GOP chairman in June 2024 after three and a half years in the post. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 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