Definitions for besetting

• Definition
• Anagrams (270)

besetting be·set·ting

Spelling: [bih-set-ing]

IPA: /bɪˈsɛt ɪŋ/

Besetting is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 12 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 15 points.

You can make 270 anagrams from letters in besetting (beeginstt).

Definitions for besetting

adjective

1. constantly assailing or obsessing, as with temptation:

verb (used with object)

1. to attack on all sides; assail; harass:
2. to surround; hem in:
3. to set or place upon; bestud:
4. Nautical. to surround (a vessel) by ice, so that control of the helm is lost.

Origin of besetting

First recorded in 1540-50; beset + -ing²

Examples for besetting

But if a quick temper was Roger's besetting sin, pig-headedness was Ernest's.

The besetting temptation of the free lance is to pamper himself.

Like the State, dignity is Mrs. Swiggs' weakness—her besetting sin.

For the besetting irresoluteness of the Gumthorpes is consuming him.

The besetting problem I have with it to this day, is do people want to know this?

No doubt, dormant within me lies every besetting sin, every human failing.

For all the agitation that must have been besetting him, his manner was serene as ever.

Diderot was more free from this besetting weakness than any of his contemporaries.

My besetting fear was that I couldn't count on her obtuseness.

This "rejoicing in iniquity" is the besetting sin of idle people.