besetting

[ bih-set-ing ]
/ bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation: a besetting sin.

Origin of besetting

First recorded in 1540–50; beset + -ing2

Words nearby besetting

Definition for besetting (2 of 2)

beset
[ bih-set ]
/ bɪˈsɛt /

verb (used with object), be·set, be·set·ting.

to attack on all sides; assail; harass: to be beset by enemies; beset by difficulties.
to surround; hem in: a village beset on all sides by dense forest.
to set or place upon; bestud: a gold bracelet beset with jewels.
Nautical. to surround (a vessel) by ice, so that control of the helm is lost.

Origin of beset

before 1000; Middle English besetten, Old English besettan. See be-, set

OTHER WORDS FROM beset

be·set·ment, noun be·set·ter, noun pre·be·set, verb (used with object), pre·be·set, pre·be·set·ting. un·be·set, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for besetting

British Dictionary definitions for besetting (1 of 2)

besetting
/ (bɪˈsɛtɪŋ) /

adjective

tempting, harassing, or assailing (esp in the phrase besetting sin)

British Dictionary definitions for besetting (2 of 2)

beset
/ (bɪˈsɛt) /

verb -sets, -setting or -set (tr)

(esp of dangers, temptations, or difficulties) to trouble or harass constantly
to surround or attack from all sides
archaic to cover with, esp with jewels

Derived forms of beset

besetter, noun