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

Rodent infestation and mold are among the many problems besetting the 19th-century estate. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026

Built in response to the 1973 oil crisis, the plant was beset by corruption and safety issues from the start. — Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026

And that’s not counting the Panthers, who were beset by injuries last season. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026

The island village is beset by sea hags, serial killers, creepy clowns and other evils that interfere with Tom’s dream of turning Widow’s Bay into a Martha’s Vineyard-like tourist destination. — Alison Herman, Variety, 17 June 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