beset - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

Beset means to attack from all sides––an invading army will beset a castle, or you might find yourself beset by a devastating storm.

Beset also has a very different meaning: to decorate or encrust with jewels or other ornamentation. If you are attending a ball, you may choose a gown that is beset with silver sequins, just be careful that you don't end up looking like a giant disco ball.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: beset

1	v	assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards"
2	v	decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: beset

1

v assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards"

Synonyms:: set upon

Type of:: assail, assault, attack, set on
attack someone physically or emotionally

v annoy continually or chronically

Synonyms:: chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, harass, harry, hassle, molest, plague, provoke

Types:: show 7 types...; hide 7 types...; goad, needle
goad or provoke,as by constant criticism; bedevil, crucify, dun, frustrate, rag, torment
treat cruelly; haze
harass by imposing humiliating or painful tasks, as in military institutions; madden
drive up the wall; go on someone's nerves; hamstring
make ineffective or powerless; badger, beleaguer, bug, pester, tease
annoy persistently; oppress, persecute
cause to suffer

Type of:: annoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile, vex
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations

2

v decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)

Synonyms:: encrust, incrust

Type of:: adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish, grace, ornament
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.