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Synonyms

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 )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of besetting

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unfortunately, sloppy handling of details is one of two chief weaknesses besetting “The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

In a sign of the troubles besetting the industry, one large almond-growing conglomerate has declared bankruptcy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2024

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

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.