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

Drawing on the testimonies of 255 workers across eight factories in Pakistan, the report portrays an industry beset by pervasive unlawful wages, excessive working hours, harassment, bullying, surveillance and intimidation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Any Olympics are beset by logistical questions in the run-up. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Residents struggled to understand the process of receiving help from FEMA, people were beset by scams and price gouging, and tenants whose homes had been destroyed or made uninhabitable puzzled over their rights. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

On May 23, 2011, the day after the tornado destroyed a third of the city, Scott Clayton was one of those leaders, standing on a hill on 22nd Street, disoriented and beset with self-doubt. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 21 July 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