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

Advocates for inmates pursuing the case say the city is not capable of operating a facility beset by overcrowding, violence and inmate deaths — some for lack of timely medical treatment. —Sean Piccoli, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025

Last June, Harvard task forces on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias each found a Cambridge, Massachusetts campus beset by discrimination and harassment, including toward people with pro-Palestinian as well as pro-Israel views. —Jonathan Stempel, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

Dying Light: The Beast Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Release Date: TBD This standalone title in the Dying Light series takes you to a rural zone beset by zombies. —Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025

The launch of the 320-foot New Glenn rocket had been beset by delays. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

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