beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

bē-

beset; besetting

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

bi-ˈset-mənt 

bē-

noun

Synonyms of beset

• plague
• afflict
• persecute
• besiege

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

By the late 1990s, however, the Fujimori government was increasingly beset by corruption allegations and human rights scandals, including scrutiny over the financing of Keiko’s education abroad. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026

Oaklawn Park was beset by rough weather this winter, the Martha Washington was postponed a week, and Counting Stars, along with many others, lost training time because of track conditions. —Teresa Genaro, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

The recall is the latest issue to beset JLR. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026

But some Americans, already beset with traumatic news amid deep political divisions at home and the wars in Iran and Ukraine, might choose to look away, partly to protect their own mental health. —Makenzie Boucher, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for beset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette
• cadet

Kids Definition

beset

verb

be·​set bi-ˈset 

beset; besetting

1

: to trouble with problems

2

: to set upon : assail