beset
Beset (verb) means to trouble or threaten from many directions at once, especially with difficulties or dangers. Example: “The expedition was beset by bad weather and equipment failures.”
How to use beset
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually seen as "beset by" — surrounded or plagued by problems, dangers, or doubts.
Word forms
beset past tense, beset plural, besets singular, beset singular, besettest singular, besetst singular, besetteth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The expedition was _____ by bad weather and equipment failures.
Etymology
From Old English besettan, "to surround or occupy" — built from "be-" (around) plus "set."
Antonyms
Rhymes for beset
See all rhymes for beset →Frequently asked questions
What does “beset” mean?
The word “beset” means to trouble or threaten from many directions at once, especially with difficulties or dangers. In plain terms, usually seen as "beset by" — surrounded or plagued by problems, dangers, or doubts.
How do you pronounce “beset”?
“Beset” is pronounced bih-SEHT (/bəˈsɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “beset” in a sentence?
Here is “beset” used in a sentence: “The expedition was beset by bad weather and equipment failures.”
What is the opposite of “beset”?
The opposite of “beset” — its antonyms — is unbeset.
What part of speech is “beset”?
“Beset” is a verb.
Where does the word “beset” come from?
The word “beset” comes from Old English. From Old English besettan, "to surround or occupy" — built from "be-" (around) plus "set.".
Is “beset” a common word?
“Beset” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “beset” have?
“Beset” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to trouble or threaten from many directions at once, especially with difficulties or dangers.
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