beset

 
Pronunciation: /bɪˈsɛt/

verb (besetting; past and past participle beset)

[with object]
  • 1(of a problem or difficulty) trouble (someone or something) persistently: the social problems that beset the UK she was beset with self-doubt
  • surround and harass: I was beset by clouds of flies
  • hem in: the ship was beset by ice and finally sank
  • 2 (be beset with) archaic be covered or studded with: springy grass all beset with tiny jewel-like flowers

Phrases

besetting sin

a fault to which a person or institution is especially prone: there was a danger of the country reverting to its besetting sin of complacency

Origin:

Old English besettan, from be- 'about' + settan (see set1)