beset
beset Lexical Profile
beset Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To trouble, harass, or assail persistently (of a problem, difficulty, or danger).
"Severe supply chain disruptions continued to beset the manufacturing sector throughout the year."
To surround or hem in from all sides so as to block or attack.
"Dense fog beset the mountain pass, forcing the hikers to set up camp early."
To stud, cover, or adorn lavishly with ornaments or jewels (archaic or literary, usually in the passive).
"The ceremonial goblet was beset with rubies and intricate gold filigree."
• adjective
Continually troubled, plagued, or harassed by problems, difficulties, or anxieties.
"Beset with self-doubt, the young author hesitated to submit her manuscript to the publisher."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Beset" is an irregular verb whose base, past tense, and past participle forms are identical ("beset"). In modern English, it is used predominantly in the passive voice followed by "by" or "with" (e.g., "beset by financial difficulties").
• Rhymes for beset
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English besettan, meaning "to set around, surround, or adorn," formed from the prefix be- ("around") and settan ("to set").