Phrase guide

set upon

verb · 3 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 someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I was set upon by a couple of young thugs.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To begin an activity; to embark upon a course of action.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • On receiving the letter, I immediately set upon writing a reply.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

assail or attack on all sides:

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The zebra was beset by leopards

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: beset

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: assail, assault, set on, attack

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: sich stürzen — to attack
  • Latin: incessō — to attack
  • Polish: napadać — to attack
  • Polish: napaść — to attack
  • Portuguese: atacar — to attack
  • Swedish: överfalla — to attack
  • Swedish: anfalla — to attack
  • Swedish: attackera — to attack
  • Turkish: çullanmak — to attack
  • Turkish: saldırmak — to attack
  • Turkish: taarruz etmek — to attack