Phrase guide

set on

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To attack.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I will set the dogs on you, if you don't leave right now!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To be determined to do or achieve something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I had my mind pretty well set on working for a small company.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

attack someone physically or emotionally

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The mugger assaulted the woman
  • Nightmares assailed him regularly

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: assail, assault, attack

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: bait, sic, set, bulldog, rush, blindside, savage, reassail, jump, beset, set upon, rape, ravish, violate, assault, dishonor, dishonour, outrage, desecrate, profane, molest

History

Etymology

For semantic parallels, compare cognate German ansetzen; Russian насе́сть pf (naséstʹ), наседа́ть impf (nasedátʹ).

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Azerbaijani: saldırmaq — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Chinese Mandarin: 放 (fàng) — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Chinese Mandarin: 讓 /让 (ràng) — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Finnish: usuttaa kimppuun — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Polish: napuszczać — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Polish: napuścić — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Polish: szczuć — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Polish: poszczuć — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Russian: натрави́ть (natravítʹ) — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Spanish: azuzar — to encourage someone, or an animal, to attack someone
  • Chinese Mandarin: 決心 /决心 (juéxīn) — to be determined to do or achieve something
  • Chinese Mandarin: 決定 /决定 (juédìng) — to be determined to do or achieve something
  • Finnish: aikoa — to be determined to do or achieve something
  • Finnish: olla päättänyt — to be determined to do or achieve something
  • Polish: być zdeterminowanym — to be determined to do or achieve something