beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the most part, the government remained in the hands of more centrist politicians, although these parliamentary alliances regularly fell apart as the government was beset with both domestic and international challenges. Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Despite last year’s edition being beset by logistical challenges, organizer IFTA (Independent Film & Television Alliance) says office and exhibition space is sold out this go around. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 Fortune previously reported that the new Alexa initiative, first announced by Panay’s predecessor, Dave Limp, last September, has been beset by both internal structural and technological hurdles. Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024 His hero would have to struggle with the political battle that had beset Mann during the war. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beset 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beset was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near beset

Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

beset

verb
be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
beset; besetting
1
: to trouble with problems
2
: to set upon : assail

More from Merriam-Webster on beset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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