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.
What may read like a resort is in fact a car-free island utopia, light on the clichés that beset many Caribbean hot spots. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 But with the rash of injuries that has beset the Wild this month, the 34-year-old has been picking up the slack. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026 Plans for the embassy have been beset by objections and protests since 2018, when China’s government bought the site at Royal Mint Court, where Britain’s money was once made, for around $300 million. Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 Even in an era beset with shocking developments, this one shocked people. Clare Malone, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026 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 27 Jan. 2026.

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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