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beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
bē-
beset; besetting
Synonyms of besetnext

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moments of sweetness are beset by mounting discomfort, and time seems to creep by at half the anticipated speed. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 On defense, Los Angeles has been opportunistic, generating sacks and turnovers at home, which could spell trouble for a Raiders offense already beset by inconsistency and poor protection. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025 More recently, the region has been beset by war; since the First Congo War broke out, in 1996, the death toll is estimated between four and six million. Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2025 Pageant controversies This year’s Miss Universe competition was beset by controversy and internal drama in the weeks leading up to coronation night. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beset

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beset was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

beset

verb
be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
beset; besetting
1
: to trouble with problems
2
: to set upon : assail

More from Merriam-Webster on beset

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