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.

Construction work in the far east Asian nation is frequently beset by poor planning and project management, as well as design errors, research suggests.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

As a student in 1983, though, he starts exhibiting sudden involuntary movements and is beset by irresistible urges to shout horrible comments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Winger Solly March, 31, another long-serving player beset by serious knee injuries, has struggled for game time in the past three campaigns.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said on Monday she will step down from the role, departing after a tenure beset by a series of scandals including complaints over the treatment of young female staffers.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

‘We cannot hope to find a path through these hills. Whatever danger may beset it, the Road is our only way to the Ford.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing beset

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"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

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