set on
Britishverb
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(preposition) to cause to attack
they set the dogs on him
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(adverb) to instigate or incite; urge
he set the child on to demand food
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Also, set upon.
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Attack; see set at .
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Instigate, urge one to engage in action, as in The older boys set on the young ones to get in trouble . [Early 1500s]
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. Be determined to, as in He's set on studying law .
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.
Earlier this year, Moriyasu said he had his sights set on leading Japan to World Cup glory this summer.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
In her story of ill-starred lovers and class divisions set on the bleak moors of Yorkshire, England, Emily Brontë creates two contrasting visions of home.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
The horses are characterised by their "large size, long legs, well-developed musculature, slender and elegant head -- set on a long, straight neck -- expressive eyes, high withers and sturdy hooves," he added.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
These are only the most recent controversial moves from Weiss, who’s set on remaking the institution long defined by tradition.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
“Impressive. I’d say this Hixby fellow is dead set on getting people to visit Gallery Seventeen.”
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
