besetting

American  

[bih-set-ing] / bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation.

   a besetting sin.

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besetting British  

/ bɪˈsɛtɪŋ /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of besetting

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

Example Sentences

Both mother and daughter reflect on the troubles besetting their own family, as the mother tries to write a novel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

But even jaded readers will be startled by the scope of the self-organizing tyranny besetting the book world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

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

He also followed up on prior deals to provide arms and training to regional powers while adroitly sidestepping the deadly frictions currently besetting the Middle East.

From Washington Times • Oct. 26, 2023

However, the difficulties besetting our task are so great that we cannot hope for more than tentative and incomplete answers.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable