Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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.

See also the opening paragraph of Dr. Pusey's sermon on "Victory over Besetting Sin," Parochial Sermons, Vol.

From The Warfare of the Soul Practical Studies in the Life of Temptation by Hughson, Shirley C.

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.