set on

to take sudden, violent action against without warning, bandits would set on unwary merchants as they traveled along the Silk Road Synonyms assail, assault, beset, bushwhack, charge, descend (on or upon), go in (on), jump (on), pounce (on or upon), raid, rush, attack, sic (also sick), storm, strike, trash, turn (on)Related Words bum-rush, gang up (on), mob, swarm; mug, rob; ambuscade, ambush, surprise (also surprize), waylay; blitz, bomb, bombard, nuke; barrage, cannon, cannonade; bang away (at), batter, buffet, plaster; beleaguer, besiege, press; harry, loot, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack; foray, invade, overrun; envelop, flankNear Antonyms cover, defend, guard, protect, secure, shield