be·set / biˈset/ • v. (-set·ting; past and past part. -set) [tr.] (of a problem or difficulty) trouble or threaten persistently: the social problems that beset the inner city she was beset with self-doubt ∎  surround and harass; assail on all sides: I was beset by clouds of flies. ∎  hem in; enclose: the ship was beset by ice.

beset surround, besiege OE.; †bestow XII. OE. besettan = OS. bisettian, OHG. bisezzan (G. besetzen), Goth. bisatjan, f. BE- + Gmc. *satjan SET1.