Definition of set
set;
setting
transitive verb
1
:to cause to sit :place in or on a seat
2 a
:to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them
b
:to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3
:to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4 a
:to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability
- set a ladder against the wall
- set a stone on the grave
b
:transplant 1
- set seedlings
c (1)
:to make (a trap) ready to catch prey
(2)
:to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish
d
:to put aside (something, such as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5
:to direct with fixed attention
- set your mind to it
6 a
:to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation
- slaves were set free
- set the house on fire
b
:to cause the start of
- set a fire
8
:to cause to assume a specified posture or position
- set the door ajar
9 a
:to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance
- the years have set their mark on him
b
:affix
c
:apply
- set a match to kindling
10
:to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation :prescribe
- set a wedding day
- set the rules for the game
11 a
:to establish as the highest level or best performance
- set a record for the half mile
b
:to furnish as a pattern or model
- set an example of generosity
c
:to allot as a task
- setting lessons for the children to work upon at home
- —Manchester Examiner
12 a
:to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position
- set the alarm for 7:00
- set a thermostat at 68
b
:to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured
- set a broken bone
c
:to spread to the wind
- set the sails
13 a
:to put in order for use
- set a place for a guest
b
:to make scenically ready for a performance
- set the stage
c (1)
:to arrange (type) for printing
- set type by hand
(2)
:to put into type or its equivalent (as on film)
- set the first word in italic
14 a
:to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing
- set a razor
b
:to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions
c
:to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15
:to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16
:to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (such as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
b
:to fix (something, such as a precious stone) in a border of metal :place in a setting
c
:to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting
- a story set in Paris
18 a
:to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of
- sets a great deal by daily exercise
b
:to place in a relative rank or category
- set duty before pleasure
c
:to fix at a certain amount
- set bail at $500
e
:to place as an estimate of worth
- set a high value on life
19
:to place in relation for comparison or balance
- theory set against practice
20 a
:to direct to action
b
:to incite to attack or antagonism
- war sets brother against brother
21 a
:to place by transporting
- was set ashore on the island
b
:to put in motion
c
:to put and fix in a direction
- set our faces toward home once more
d
of a dog
:to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22
:to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23 a
:to fix firmly :make immobile :give rigid form or condition to
- set her jaw in determination
b
:to make unyielding or obstinate
24
:to cause to become firm or solid
- set milk for cheese
25
:to cause (fruit or seed) to develop
intransitive verb
2
:to be becoming :be suitable :fit
- the coat sets well
3
:to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4 a
:to affect one with or as if with weight
- the pudding sets heavily on my stomach
b
:to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (such as running)
5
of a plant part
:to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6 a
:to pass below the horizon :go down
- the sun sets
b
:to come to an end
- this century sets with little mirth
- —Thomas Fuller
7
:to apply oneself to some activity
- set to work
9
of a dog
:to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10
:to dance face to face with another in a square dance
- set to your partner and turn
11 a
:to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration
- the cement sets rapidly
b
of a dye or color
:to become permanent
c
of a bone
:to become whole by growing together
—
set about
:to begin to do
—
set apart
1
:to reserve to a particular use
2
:to make noticeable or outstanding
—
set aside
—
set at
:to mount an attack on :assail
- would go although … devils should set at me
- —Charlotte Yonge
—
set eyes on
:to catch sight of
—
set foot on
:to step onto
—
set forth
1
:to give an account or statement of
2
:to start out on a journey
—
set in motion
:to give impulse to
- sets the story in motion vividly
- —Howard Thompson
—
set one's hand to
:to become engaged in
—
set one's house in order
:to organize one's affairs
—
set one's sights on
:to determine to pursue
—
set one straight
:to correct someone by providing accurate information
—
set sail
:to start out on a course;
especially
:to begin a voyage
- set sail for Bermuda
—
set store by
or
set store on
:to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
—
set the stage
:to provide the basis or background
- this trend will set the stage for higher earnings
—
set to music
:to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
—
set upon
:to attack usually with violence
- the dogs set upon the trespassers
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