beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
bē-
beset; besetting
Synonyms of besetnext

transitive verb

1
: to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
a crown beset with rubies
… leaves, whose edges were beset with thorns …J. G. Frazer
2
: trouble, harass
inflation besets the economy
3
a
: to set upon : assail
the explorers were beset by wolves
b
: to hem in : surround
a town beset with high mountains
besetment noun

Examples of beset in a Sentence

A lack of money is the greatest problem besetting the city today. he's been beset by a lack of self-confidence virtually his entire life
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy. Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Darvish was beset by injuries in his first season but threw well in 2019 and 2020. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 State Guard The Florida State Guard, the WWII-era unit revived by DeSantis in 2022, has been beset by scandals since its first training class. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026 The 2028 Summer Games, to be held in Los Angeles, are already beset by concerns about cost overruns. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beset

Word History

Etymology

Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beset was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

beset

verb
be·​set bi-ˈset How to pronounce beset (audio)
beset; besetting
1
: to trouble with problems
2
: to set upon : assail

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