Synonym Game

beset

[bih-set] Example Sentences Origin

be·set

[bih-set]
verb (used with object), be·set, be·set·ting.
1.
to attack on all sides; assail; harass: to be beset by enemies; beset by difficulties.
2.
to surround; hem in: a village beset on all sides by dense forest.
3.
to set or place upon; bestud: a gold bracelet beset with jewels.
4.
Nautical. to surround (a vessel) by ice, so that control of the helm is lost.

Origin:
before 1000; Middle English besetten, Old English besettan. See be-, set

be·set·ment, noun
be·set·ter, noun
pre·be·set, verb (used with object), pre·be·set, pre·be·set·ting.
un·be·set, adjective


2. encircle, enclose, besiege, beleaguer. 3. stud, decorate, ornament.

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Beset is one of our favorite verbs.
So is kibitz. Does it mean:
chat, to converse
to run away hurriedly; flee.
Example Sentences
  • It has also served as a window on the homelessness, poverty and racial antagonism that beset cities across the country.
  • After all, once you start down this road, there's no end to the demons that can beset you.
  • But the government, beset by crises such as last year's tsunami, has not got around to many of its promised reforms.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
beset (bɪˈsɛt)
 
vb , -sets, -setting, -set
1.  (esp of dangers, temptations, or difficulties) to trouble or harass constantly
2.  to surround or attack from all sides
3.  archaic to cover with, esp with jewels
 
be'setter
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

beset
O.E. besettan "to put, place; own, keep; cover, surround with, besiege," from P.Gmc. *bisatjan (cf. O.S. bisettjan, Ger. besetzen, Goth. bisatjan); see be- + set (v.). The figurative sense also was in O.E.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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