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beset — to trouble or harass persistently

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to trouble or harass persistently

Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈset/

Example Sentences

  • The new CEO was beset with problems from day one - the coffee machine broke, the Wi-Fi crashed, and someone stole his parking spot.
  • The small country was beset by its powerful neighbors who wanted to control its oil resources.
  • My diet plan is constantly beset by the temptation of chocolate chip cookies.

beset

VERB

[/bɪˈset/]

to trouble or harass persistently

The lone caravan was beset by sandstorms and bandits crossing the desert.
💡 Concept

The lone caravan was beset by sandstorms and bandits crossing the desert.

BE (around) + SET (to place) — by acting to SET spiked traps completely BE (around) the glowing tent, the goblins managed to beset the weary knights.
🧠 Mnemonic

BE (around) + SET (to place) — by acting to SET spiked traps completely BE (around) the glowing tent, the goblins managed to beset the weary knights.

Filled with deep, bitter regret and feeling completely upset, the fallen king was ultimately beset by enemies on all sides.
🎵 Rhyme

Filled with deep, bitter regret and feeling completely upset, the fallen king was ultimately beset by enemies on all sides.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/bɪˈset/
🇬🇧 UK/bɪˈset/

🌳Etymology

Prefixbe--
Rootset

Origin

From Old English 'besettan', combining the prefix 'be-' (around, about) with 'settan' (to set, place). The word originally meant to surround or blockade, later developing the sense of persistent troubling or harassing.

Breakdown

be- (around, about) + set (to place, position) = beset (to surround, trouble persistently)

🎵Rhyme

upset
reset
offset

🔗Collocations

beset with problems
beset by difficulties
beset with doubt
beset on all sides
beset by enemies

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The new CEO was beset with problems from day one - the coffee machine broke, the Wi-Fi crashed, and someone stole his parking spot.”

“The small country was beset by its powerful neighbors who wanted to control its oil resources.”

😄 Fun example

“My diet plan is constantly beset by the temptation of chocolate chip cookies.”

📚Related Words

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