beset

/bɪˈsɛt/

/bɪˈsɛt/

Other forms: besetting; besets

Beset means to attack from all sides — an invading army will beset a castle, or you might find yourself beset by a devastating storm.

Beset also has a very different meaning: to decorate or encrust with jewels or other ornamentation. If you are attending a ball, you may choose a gown that is beset with silver sequins, just be careful that you don't end up looking like a giant disco ball.

Definitions of beset

1. verb

   assail or attack on all sides
   synonyms: set upon

   type of:

   assail, assault, attack, set on

   attack someone physically or emotionally
2. verb

   annoy continually or chronically
   synonyms: chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, harass, harry, hassle, molest, plague, provoke

   types:

   goad, needle

   goad or provoke, as by constant criticism

   bedevil, crucify, dun, frustrate, rag, torment

   treat cruelly

   haze

   harass by imposing humiliating or painful tasks, as in military institutions

   madden

   drive up the wall; get on someone's nerves

   hamstring

   make ineffective or powerless

   badger, beleaguer, bug, pester, tease

   annoy persistently

   oppress, persecute

   cause to suffer

   type of:

   annoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile, vex

   cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
3. verb

   decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)
   synonyms: encrust, incrust

   type of:

   adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish, grace, ornament

   make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.