beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

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

bi-ˈset-mənt 

bē-

noun

Synonyms

• afflict
• agonize
• anguish
• bedevil
• besiege
• curse
• excruciate
• harrow
• persecute
• plague
• rack
• torment
• torture

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

Georgian Dream claimed victory in the October contest, which was beset by allegations of electoral fraud and voter suppression. —David Brennan, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2024

As news and rumors of the brutal attack spread, French Louisiana was beset by fear and loathing. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024

But his leadership has been beset by an immediate sense of crisis, low approval ratings and more recently a mass protest by angry farmers. —Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 25 Nov. 2024

The Netflix livestream was beset by technical issues, with problems including the video freezing and degraded quality. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

beset; besetting

1

: to trouble with problems

2

: to set upon : assail