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

• besetment noun
• besetter 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

Arsenal, despite their position as Premier League leaders, have seen their season beset by injuries to crucial players.

Read more on BBC

Unlike the Golden Globes, the ceremony has not been beset by scandal or raised questions about unethical self-dealing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the world's second-largest economy has been beset by sluggish domestic demand, many young people are still spending on experiences and goods that gives them satisfaction -- a trend recently dubbed in China as "emotional consumption".

Read more on Barron's

The foundation hired American contractors Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions to provide security for the distribution efforts, which have been beset by dysfunction and violence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The suspicion of streaming fraud has beset services like Spotify since they displaced downloads as the main way music is consumed.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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