onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack, assault

withstand the onset of the army

2

: beginning, commencement

the onset of winter

the onset of age-related diseases

Synonyms

• aggression
• assault
• attack
• attempt
• blitz
• blitzkrieg
• charge
• coup de main
• descent
• offense
• offence
• offensive
• onslaught
• raid
• rush
• strike

Examples of onset in a Sentence

the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion

the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster

Recent Examples on the Web

The World Health Organization classifies it as one of the snakes of highest medical importance in sub-Saharan Africa due to the potency of its venom and the rapid onset and severity of clinical manifestations. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

According to Johns Hopkins, the onset of acute appendicitis can span 24 to 72 hours. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025

Explaining the taxonomic homogenization in the aftermath of the extinction, the model suggests that certain creatures — mainly mollusks — flourished thanks to the onset of warmer water temperatures. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

Additionally, the onset of remote work and remote studying since the 2020 pandemic resulted in Gen Z’s interpersonal and communication skills stagnating. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing onset

• adult-onset diabetes
• juvenile-onset diabetes

Rhymes for onset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack entry 2 sense 1

2

: beginning sense 1

Medical Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset, ˈän- 

: the initial existence or symptoms of a disease

the onset of scarlet fever