Showing results for "besetting"

• present participle of beset.

besetting

American  

[bih-set-ing] / bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation.

   a besetting sin.

---

besetting British  

/ bɪˈsɛtɪŋ /

adjective

1. tempting, harassing, or assailing (esp in the phrase besetting sin )

---

Etymology

Origin of besetting

First recorded in 1540–50; beset + -ing ²

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

besetting

Crumbling masonry, ageing electrics, frequent leaks and high asbestos levels are some of the problems besetting the Palace of Westminster, parts of which are over 900 years old.

From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026

The report also addresses another fear besetting the market of late which is the funding concerns surrounding neoclouds.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

The mood among German consumers continues to darken as the pressures besetting Europe’s largest economy take their toll on sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2025

The findings suggest kids have been caught in the crossfire of simultaneous immigration and housing crises besetting the city.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 1, 2023

My terror, as I lay there, of falling ill, and being unfitted for to-morrow, was so besetting, that I wonder it did not disable me of itself.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable

---