beset

[bih-set]

verb (used with object)

beset, besetting 

1. to attack on all sides; assail.

2. to trouble greatly or grievously; to afflict with mental or physical suffering; harass: Even as he was being beset with disasters, he triumphed.

   The best ideas are often beset by bureaucratic hurdles.

   Even as he was being beset with disasters, he triumphed.

3. to surround; hem in.

   The village was beset on all sides by dense forest.

   Our work will be beset with dangers.

   Synonyms: besiege, enclose, encircle, trouble, torment, persecute, bedevil, afflict, harass, assault

4. to set or place upon; bestud.

   The gold bracelet she found was beset with jewels.

   Synonyms: ornament, decorate, stud

5. Nautical.,  to surround (a vessel) by ice, so that control of the helm is lost.

beset

/ bɪˈsɛt /

verb

1. (esp of dangers, temptations, or difficulties) to trouble or harass constantly

2. to surround or attack from all sides

3. archaic,  to cover with, esp with jewels

Other Word Forms

• besetter noun
• besetment noun
• prebeset verb (used with object) prebeset, prebesetting
• unbeset adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of beset¹

First recorded before 1000; from Middle English besetten, Old English besettan. See be-, set

Example Sentences

In “Last Rites,” the house of the beset Smurl family comes instantly to life with its worn furniture, Pyrex casserole pans and stretched cord of its wall phone.

From Los Angeles Times

While grating noises and intolerable heat may be experienced in pockets across the city, making it hard to draw direct comparisons, some whole sections of L.A. feel conspicuously beset by these environmental disturbances.

From Los Angeles Times

The year is 1971 and Easy, now 50, is beset by memories of his hardscrabble Southern youth and first loves before he enlisted to serve in World War II in Europe and Africa.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers have now gained new insights into how that water pollution is creating air pollution that besets nearby communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Scotland's preparations had been beset by player contract uncertainty, but they were united in a dominant performance in front of 10,054 fans in Salford, a record for a game between the nations.

From BBC

Related Words

• bedevil 
• beleaguer 
• besiege 
• embarrass 
• invade 
• overrun 
• perplex 
• surround