beset

1 of 2

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

besetment

2 of 2

noun

be·​set·​ment bi-ˈset-mənt 

bē-

plural -s

1

: the action of besetting or the condition of being beset

would invite besetment in the frozen sea

—Glen Jacobsen

2

: something by which one is beset : trouble, vexation

the small besetments and annoyances of life

especially : a besetting sin, weakness, or failing

Synonyms of beset

Verb

• plague
• afflict
• persecute
• besiege

Examples of beset in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Many of the agreements have been brokered with African countries, including those beset by armed conflict, political crises and widespread poverty, like the Central African Republic and South Sudan. — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set

First Known Use

Verb

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