set on

verb

1. (preposition) to cause to attack

   they set the dogs on him

2. (adverb) to instigate or incite; urge

   he set the child on to demand food

Idioms and Phrases

Also, set upon.

Attack; see set at .

Instigate, urge one to engage in action, as in The older boys set on the young ones to get in trouble . [Early 1500s]

. Be determined to, as in He's set on studying law .

Example Sentences

Its offices were also attacked by crowds and set on fire.

From BBC

Data sets on job markets and immigration have been criticised and earlier this year a government review said the ONS had "deep-seated" issues which needed tackling.

From BBC

Capaldi, who announced a break from touring shortly after his performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2023, returned to the Somerset festival earlier this year to play a short set on the Pyramid Stage.

From BBC

But it didn’t feel permanent: “My mind was always set on going back to Pali.”

From Los Angeles Times

Wissa was so set on joining Newcastle that he removed all association with Brentford from his Instagram account a few weeks ago.

From BBC

Related Words

• decisive 
• dogged 
• purposeful 
• resolute 
• resolved 
• serious 
• single-minded 
• steadfast 
• strong-willed 
• stubborn 
• tenacious