dead set

[ ded-set for 1, 2; ded-set for 3 ]

/ ˈdɛd ˈsɛt for 1, 2; ˈdɛd ˌsɛt for 3 /

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See synonyms for dead set on Thesaurus.com

adjective

firmly decided or determined; resolved: His family was dead set against the marriage.

noun

a serious or determined attempt; firm effort: He made a dead set at winning the championship.

Hunting. the stiff posture assumed by a hunting dog in indicating the presence and location of game.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of dead set

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Words nearby dead set

deadrise, dead run, Dead Sea, Dead Sea fruit, Dead Sea Scrolls, dead set, dead set against, dead slow, dead-smooth, dead-smooth file, dead soldier

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dead set in a sentence

He was part of an extreme, racialized white faction in the Louisiana state house that was clearly dead-set against honoring King.
Steve Scalise and the Right’s Ridiculous Racial Blame Game|Michael Tomasky|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
While he was quite comfortable telling us all about it, his wife was dead set against it.
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s Favorite World of Wonder Clips (VIDEO)|Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato|February 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Madison was dead set against it, partly on the grounds that his state of Virginia would be a big loser in any such assumption.
On the Fiscal Cliff, Obama Does What He Can Against 200 Years of Bad Faith|Michael Tomasky|January 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Why then does Team Romney seem dead set on making such a breakthrough performance nearly impossible?
The Debate Expectations Game|Michelle Cottle|September 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Someone dead-set against buying insurance can choose to remain without coverage and pay the tax.
Can They Kill Health Care in Court?|Adam Winkler|March 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Stopford who, at first, was dead set on digging agreed to have a dart at Kavak Tepe.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume 2|Ian Hamilton
He made a speech the other day, all about Young Wales, a regular dead set at them, and he'll sweep the poll after this.
Mushroom Town|Oliver Onions
Pug leaned over and put his muffled mouth close to Kentuckys ear: They got a dead set on us167 here, he shouted.
Grapes of wrath|Boyd Cable
"Don't make a dead set for a man the first time you see him," recommended Mr. Pendleton, grimly.
Jolly Sally Pendleton|Laura Jean Libbey
Them d--n temperance workers are dead set agin us, an' it looks as if they'd make trouble.
The Fourth Watch|H. A. Cody

British Dictionary definitions for dead set

dead set

adverb

absolutelyhe is dead set against going to Spain

noun

the motionless position of a dog when pointing with its muzzle towards game

adjective

(of a hunting dog) in this position

interjection

Australian slang an expression of affirmationdead set, I worked from dawn to dusk

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

dead set

Origin of dead set

Words nearby dead set

Words related to dead set

How to use dead set in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dead set