Need another word for Beset? Use these synonyms of Beset from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
besiege
attack
assault
harass
plague
trouble
annoy
bother
pester
torment
persecute
oppress
overwhelm
encircle
surround
hem
confine
constrain
restrict
limit
hinder
impede
obstruct
block
bar
frustrate
thwart
foil
impede
obstruct
besieged
beleaguer
besmirch
pillory
excoriate
vilify
harass
harry
harangue
badger
worry
vex
irk
gall
nettle
rile
provoke
goad
needle
tease
taunt
twit
snipe
lambast
scourge
afflict
smite
strike
blight
curse
plague
infest
invade
overrun
overwhelm
deluge
inundate
flood
engulf
swamp
suffocate
stifle
choke
throttle
strangle
asphyxiate
suffuse
permeate
pervade
infuse
penetrate
saturate
Meaning of Beset
to surround or beset someone or something, typically with hostile or unwelcome forces or influences
Definitions
- To surround or attack someone or something from all sides, typically with hostile or unwelcome forces or influences
- * To cause someone or something to be worried or troubled by a problem or difficulty
- * To be surrounded or attacked by a feeling, emotion, or sensation, such as anxiety, fear, or doubt
Etymology of Beset
The word "beset" comes from the Old English word "besettan", which is a combination of "be" (meaning "around" or "about") and "settan" (meaning "to set" or "to place")
The word has been used in English since the 9th century, initially with the meaning "to set around" or "to surround", and later developing the sense of "to attack" or "to harass"
Example Uses
- The city was beset on all sides by enemy forces
- * She was beset by doubts and fears about her future
- * The company was beset by financial difficulties and was forced to lay off staff
- * The hikers were beset by a swarm of biting insects
- * The team was beset by injuries and was unable to field a full squad