Definitions

beset

[bih-set] / bɪˈsɛt /

VERB

plague; hem in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bedevil beleaguer besiege embarrass invade overrun perplex surround

STRONG

aggress assail attack badger bug circle compass dog encircle enclose encompass entangle environ girdle harass harry hassle infest nag nudge pester ride ring storm strike

WEAK

drive up the wall fall on fall upon give a bad time give a hard time give one the business give the needle jump on one's case pick on put the squeeze on start in on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clarify clear up explain leave alone please surrender

STRONG

aid assist exclude free help let go lose release support unloose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beset by financial hardship, in part because of a devastating injury in a ferryboat accident, Meucci was unable to afford the $10 fee to renew his caveat, which as a result expired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Beset by monsters, chased by the Navy and attacked by other pirates, Ben and Alys battle together against the odds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2025

Beset by chronic pain, she acknowledges challenges remain.

From Washington Times • Nov. 20, 2023

Beset by challenges since its 2006 launch, the project, now home to about 9,000 people, saw demand fall sharply following China's move to stem capital outflows and the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Reuters • Aug. 28, 2023

"Pity me, friend, though I be queen, O yet My heart is woman, and I am sore pressed On every side,—Scotland and France and Spain Beset me, and I know not where to turn."

From Collected Poems Volume One by Noyes, Alfred

Vocabulary lists containing beset

Beowulf

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"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

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Beowulf vocabulary

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