verb
beset
bih-SEHT
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
Word Forms
beset past tense, beset plural, besets singular, beset singular, besettest singular, besetst singular, besetteth singular
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The expedition was _____ by bad weather and equipment failures.
Etymology
From Old English besettan, "to surround or occupy" — built from "be-" (around) plus "set."