verb
Uncommon
beset
bih-SEHT
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.”
verb
1
To trouble or threaten from many directions at once, especially with difficulties or dangers.
"The expedition was beset by bad weather and equipment failures."
"Doubts beset her in the days before the exam."
2
To surround or hem something in on all sides.
"The ship was beset by pack ice and unable to move."
How to use beset
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually seen as "beset by" — surrounded or plagued by problems, dangers, or doubts.
Common pairings
beset by problems
beset with difficulties
beset by doubt
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like beset.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- besets
- Archaic forms
- besettest, besetst, besetteth
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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unbeset
Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include beset:
