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

The trial was originally set to test the drug on 300 people, but due to demand from trial investigators to include more of their patients, the researchers expanded the pool of participants to 350. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026

Insurers routinely challenge her lower-dosage prescriptions, Miller said, presumably because price rebates from the drug company are set to the standard dosage. — CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1