onset

[ on-set, awn- ]

noun

1. a beginning or start:

   the onset of winter.

2. an assault or attack:

   an onset of the enemy.

3. Phonetics. the segment of a syllable preceding the nucleus, as the gr in great. Compare coda ( def 5 ), core ¹( def 14 ).

onset

/ ˈɒnˌsɛt /

noun

1. an attack; assault
2. a start; beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of onset¹

1525–35; on + set, after the verb phrase set on

Example Sentences

I was never sure whether this was phlegm or the onset of lunacy.

From The Daily Beast

Believe it or not, a break at the onset of mild cramps may let you play in the game for longer.

From The Daily Beast

The adults then burn one down but realize drugs are less fun with the onset of parental responsibilities.

From The Daily Beast

Phillips did return to the show two seasons later, but was fired in the ninth season after collapsing onset.

From The Daily Beast

He remembers how confused and scared people were by the onset of AIDS.

From The Daily Beast

Instantly the Clydesdale men mounted and formed to meet the expected onset.

From Project Gutenberg

He was wonderful in his brilliant, undismayed enthusiasm, as he followed the reckless charge, the shining onset of the talents.

From Project Gutenberg

Lannes, who had simultaneously made a final onset, was also beaten off by the superior force of his enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

It was like some change in the cycle of nature, like the onset of spring—a sharp brightness, an uneasiness.

From Project Gutenberg

This onset boded destruction to herself and all her friends; above all, to him she loved best.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commencement
• dawning
• onslaught
• outbreak
• outset