n.
Pronunciation: ' set
Function: verb
Inflected Form: set ; set · ting
Etymology: Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2 a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3 : to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4 a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability < set a ladder against the wall> < set a stone on the grave> b : TRANSPLANT 1 < set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5 : to direct with fixed attention < set your mind to it>
6 a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free> < set the house on fire> b : to cause the start of < set a fire>
7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty b : POST , STATION
8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position < set the door ajar>
9 a : to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> b : AFFIX c : APPLY < set a match to kindling>
10 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : PRESCRIBE < set a wedding day> < set the rules for the game>
11 a : to establish as the highest level or best performance < set a record for the half mile> b : to furnish as a pattern or model < set an example of generosity> c : to allot as a task < setting lessons for the children to work upon at home ― Manchester Examiner >
12 a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position < set the alarm for 7:00> < set a thermostat at 68> also : to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured < set a broken bone> c : to spread to the wind < set the sails>
13 a : to put in order for use < set a place for a guest> b : to make scenically ready for a performance < set the stage> c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing < set type by hand> (2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) < set the first word in italic>
14 a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing < set a razor> b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15 : to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16 : to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : STUD , DOT <clear sky set with stars> b : to fix (as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting c : to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting <a story set in Paris>
18 a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of < set s a great deal by daily exercise> b : to place in a relative rank or category < set duty before pleasure> c : to fix at a certain amount < set bail at $500> d : VALUE , RATE <their promises were set at naught> e : to place as an estimate of worth < set a high value on life>
19 : to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice>
20 a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war set s brother against brother>
21 a : to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island> b : to put in motion c : to put and fix in a direction < set our faces toward home once more> d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22 : to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23 a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to < set her jaw in determination> b : to make unyielding or obstinate
24 : to cause to become firm or solid < set milk for cheese>
25 : to cause (as fruit or seed) to develop
intransitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : SIT
2 : to be becoming : be suitable : FIT <the coat set s well>
3 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4 a : to affect one with or as if with weight <the pudding set s heavily on my stomach> b : to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (as running)
5 of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6 a : to pass below the horizon : go down <the sun set s > b : to come to an end <this century set s with little mirth ― Thomas Fuller>
7 : to apply oneself to some activity < set to work>
8 : to have a specified direction in motion : FLOW , TEND <the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm ― Esther Forbes>
9 of a dog : to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10 : to dance face to face with another in a square dance < set to your partner and turn>
11 a : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration <the cement set s rapidly> b of a dye or color : to become permanent c of a bone : to become whole by growing together
– set about : to begin to do
– set apart
1 : to reserve to a particular use
2 : to make noticeable or outstanding
– set aside
1 : to put to one side : DISCARD
2 : to reserve for a purpose : SAVE
3 : DISMISS
4 : ANNUL , OVERRULE
– set at : to mount an attack on : ASSAIL <would go although ⋯ devils should set at me ― Charlotte Yonge>
– set eyes on : to catch sight of
– set foot in : ENTER
– set foot on : to step onto
– set forth
1 : to give an account or statement of
2 : to start out on a journey
– set forward
1 : FURTHER
2 : to start out on a journey
– set in motion : to give impulse to < sets the story in motion vividly ― Howard Thompson>
– set one's hand to : to become engaged in
– set one's heart on : RESOLVE VT 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>
– set one's house in order : to organize one's affairs
– set one's sights on : to determine to pursue
– set one's teeth on edge : IRRITATE , ANNOY
– set one straight : to correct someone by providing accurate information
– set sail : to start out on a course especially : to begin a voyage < set sail for Bermuda>
– set store by or set store on : to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
– set the stage : to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>
– set to music : to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
– set upon : to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>