set upon

Thân thiện

A group of crows set upon a lone hawk in the sky.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To attack someone or something suddenly and violently.
   • To strongly criticize or oppose someone or something.

Usage

The verb "set upon" is used to describe the act of launching a sudden, often aggressive, physical or verbal assault. It typically implies being outnumbered or overwhelmed by attackers or critics. It is commonly used in the passive voice (e.g., be set upon).

Examples

• Physical Attack:
  • The tourists were set upon by a gang of thieves in the narrow alley.
  • The lone wolf was set upon by the pack.
• Verbal/Critical Attack:
  • The minister was set upon by journalists as soon as he left the building.
  • Her controversial proposal was set upon by members of the opposition.

Advanced Usage

• "to set upon someone/something": This is the standard construction. The preposition "upon" can sometimes be replaced with "on," though "upon" is more formal.
  • He turned the corner and was immediately set on by three men.
• The phrase often conveys a sense of being besieged or beset from multiple sides.

Variants and Related Words

• Beset (verb): To trouble or harass persistently; to surround and attack. (A close synonym often used in definitions of "set upon").
• Assail (verb): To attack violently or criticize harshly.
• Ambush (verb/noun): To attack from a concealed position.

Synonyms

• Attack
• Assault
• Beset
• Fall upon
• Ambush

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Set on: Can be used interchangeably with "set upon" in the context of attacking.
  • The dogs were set on the intruder.

Related Idioms

• Set about: To begin doing something with energy or determination. (Note: This is different from "set upon," which is about attack).
  • She set about cleaning the house.

Học thuật

Verb

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• beset