set-to

1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌtü 

plural set-tos

: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

set to

2 of 2

verb

set to; setting to; sets to

intransitive verb

1

: to begin actively and earnestly

2

: to begin fighting

Synonyms of set-to

Noun

• quarrel
• altercation
• dispute
• controversy
• disagreement
• fight
• argument
• bicker
• brawl

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Noun

they had a brief set-to about money, but they seem to have resolved it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The grizzled heads among them testified to many a hazardous chase or physical set-to with violators of Wisconsin’s fish and game laws. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

Into this unholy mess blunders Juan (Juan Amador), bearing the gushing stigmata of a violent set-to in a Sacramento bar. — Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023

Verb

This growth is set to continue, with global renewable power capacity expected to rise by nearly 4,600 GW between 2025 and 2030. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Nearly 60,000 participants are set to run the course this year, chosen from a pool of over 240,000 applicants as part of New York Road Runners’ highly competitive selection process. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1