1set 
/ˈsɛt/ verb
sets; set; set·ting /ˈsɛt/ verb 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] a : to put (something) in a place or position
▪ Set your books (down) on the table. ▪ We need to set some extra chairs around the table. ▪ He set the ladder against the wall and walked away. ▪ I remember setting my bag right here.
b : to put (something) into the surface of something
▪ They set the bricks along the walkway. — often used as (be) set ▪ The posts are set firmly in the ground. ▪ The tiles are set into the wall.
c : to attach (something, such as a jewel) to a piece of jewelry or other decoration
▪ The jeweler can set the stone several different ways. — often used as (be) set ▪ Her wedding ring is set [=inlaid] with seven diamonds. ▪ a diamond set in a simple gold band 2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time — often used as (be) set ▪ The play is set in Verona, Italy. [=the action of the play takes place in Verona] ▪ The novel is set in 1943. ▪ a novel set during World War II ▪ The story is set against (the backdrop of) the Second World War. [=the story takes place during the Second World War] 3 [+ obj] a : to make (something) ready to be used : to put (something) in a position to be used
▪ He turned off the car and set the parking brake. ▪ Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.
b : to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal
▪ Would you please set [=(Brit) lay] the table? ▪ We set an extra place at the table for our guest. ▪ The table was set for two. [=it had two place settings] 4 [+ obj] : to cause (a clock) to show a particular time
▪ We set the clocks ahead one hour for daylight saving time. : to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position ▪ The alarm was set for 7:00 a.m. = The alarm was set to go off at 7:00 a.m. ▪ I set the timer for/to twenty minutes. ▪ Set the oven to 350 degrees. ▪ In the winter, she sets the thermostat at/to 68 degrees. 5 [+ obj] : to decide on or choose (something)
▪ I set a goal (for myself) to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. ▪ The company must meet certain conditions set by the government in order to stay in business. ▪ She will be setting the agenda for this afternoon's meeting. ▪ setting boundaries/limits/rules ▪ NASA has not yet set [=named] the date for the shuttle launch. ▪ He has set his sights on becoming [=he has decided to try to become] the next president. ▪ We don't have enough time to do everything. We have to set priorities. [=to decide which things are most important to do] 6 [+ obj] a : to give (a particular price or value) to something
▪ An antiques appraiser set the value of the chair at $500. ▪ If you set your prices too high, no one will buy your products. ▪ Her bail was set at $10,000. = The judge set (her) bail at $10,000. [=the judge decided that she will have to pay $10,000 or stay in jail until her trial]
b : to give (a high value or importance) to something
▪ They set a high value on their privacy. [=they value their privacy very highly] ▪ Our family sets great store by/on tradition. [=our family believes that tradition is very important] 7 [+ obj] a : to cause (something) to be accepted as an example, rule, etc. : to establish (a standard, trend, etc.) for others to follow or try to copy
▪ They are improving the safety of their vehicles and setting a higher standard for other companies (to follow). ▪ His style of directing has set a new trend in moviemaking. [=other directors are copying his way of making movies] ▪ His behavior sets a good/bad example for the rest of the children. ▪ The ruling is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided. [=future cases will be decided based on this case] ▪ Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview. [=it gave the rest of the interview a light and easy feeling]
b : to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind
▪ She set a record for the most sales in the company's history. [=she made more sales for the company than anyone else ever had] ▪ He set the world record for/in the 100-meter dash. 8 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified condition
▪ The slaves were set free. ▪ He made a raft and set it afloat in the river. ▪ They set the house on fire. = They set fire to the house. = (more formally) They set the house afire/aflame/ablaze. [=they caused the house to begin burning] ▪ I wish I knew how to set your mind at ease. [=to help you stop worrying] ▪ She set him right/straight about what happened. [=she told him that he was wrong and explained what really happened] ▪ We should set our own house in order [=correct the way we do things] before we criticize them. 9 : to cause (someone or something) to start doing something [+ obj] ▪ We have no idea what set [=got] her crying. — often + to ▪ Her question set me to wondering if I had made the right decision. ▪ They are ready to set the plan in motion. [=they are ready to cause the plan to start happening] ▪ The plan has been set in motion. ▪ Sources say that the governor has set the wheels in motion for a run for the presidency. [=the governor has started to run for president] [no obj] ▪ He immediately set to work [=started working] on the project. 10 [+ obj] Brit : to give (someone) a particular job : to require someone to do (a task)
▪ My boss set me to organizing the files. ▪ She set [=assigned] her students the task of writing a three-page report. ▪ setting homework for the children 11 [no obj] of the sun or moon : to move down in the sky and go below the horizon
▪ We sat on the beach and watched the sun set. — opposite 1rise 5 12 [+ obj] : to put and hold (your jaw, mouth, etc.) firmly into a certain position
▪ She crossed her arms, set her jaw, and refused to answer any questions. ▪ He set his lips firmly. 13 a [no obj] of a liquid : to become thick or hard
▪ The gelatin needs a few hours to set. ▪ My nail polish is still setting. ▪ a quick-setting cement
b : to become permanent [no obj] ▪ If you don't wash your shirt right away, the stain will set. [=you will not be able to remove the stain] [+ obj] ▪ Hot water will set the stain. 14 : to put (a broken bone) into its normal position so it can heal [+ obj] ▪ Doctors set her broken leg last week. [no obj] ▪ The bones will take several weeks to set. [=grow together] 15 [+ obj] : to give a particular style to (someone's hair) by wetting it, putting it in curlers or clips, and drying it
▪ She gets her hair set and styled twice a week. 16 [+ obj] : to type or print (a word, sentence, etc.) in a particular form or style
▪ a word set in italics 17 [+ obj] : to add music to (words) : to create (music) to accompany words — usually + to ▪ She wrote the lyrics, and he set them to music.
▪ Set your books (down) on the table. ▪ We need to set some extra chairs around the table. ▪ He set the ladder against the wall and walked away. ▪ I remember setting my bag right here.
b : to put (something) into the surface of something
▪ They set the bricks along the walkway. — often used as (be) set ▪ The posts are set firmly in the ground. ▪ The tiles are set into the wall.
c : to attach (something, such as a jewel) to a piece of jewelry or other decoration
▪ The jeweler can set the stone several different ways. — often used as (be) set ▪ Her wedding ring is set [=inlaid] with seven diamonds. ▪ a diamond set in a simple gold band
▪ He turned off the car and set the parking brake. ▪ Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.
b : to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal
▪ Would you please set [=(Brit) lay] the table? ▪ We set an extra place at the table for our guest. ▪ The table was set for two. [=it had two place settings]
▪ We set the clocks ahead one hour for daylight saving time. : to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position ▪ The alarm was set for 7:00 a.m. = The alarm was set to go off at 7:00 a.m. ▪ I set the timer for/to twenty minutes. ▪ Set the oven to 350 degrees. ▪ In the winter, she sets the thermostat at/to 68 degrees.
▪ I set a goal (for myself) to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. ▪ The company must meet certain conditions set by the government in order to stay in business. ▪ She will be setting the agenda for this afternoon's meeting. ▪ setting boundaries/limits/rules ▪ NASA has not yet set [=named] the date for the shuttle launch. ▪ He has set his sights on becoming [=he has decided to try to become] the next president. ▪ We don't have enough time to do everything. We have to set priorities. [=to decide which things are most important to do]
▪ An antiques appraiser set the value of the chair at $500. ▪ If you set your prices too high, no one will buy your products. ▪ Her bail was set at $10,000. = The judge set (her) bail at $10,000. [=the judge decided that she will have to pay $10,000 or stay in jail until her trial]
b : to give (a high value or importance) to something
▪ They set a high value on their privacy. [=they value their privacy very highly] ▪ Our family sets great store by/on tradition. [=our family believes that tradition is very important]
▪ They are improving the safety of their vehicles and setting a higher standard for other companies (to follow). ▪ His style of directing has set a new trend in moviemaking. [=other directors are copying his way of making movies] ▪ His behavior sets a good/bad example for the rest of the children. ▪ The ruling is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided. [=future cases will be decided based on this case] ▪ Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview. [=it gave the rest of the interview a light and easy feeling]
b : to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind
▪ She set a record for the most sales in the company's history. [=she made more sales for the company than anyone else ever had] ▪ He set the world record for/in the 100-meter dash.
▪ The slaves were set free. ▪ He made a raft and set it afloat in the river. ▪ They set the house on fire. = They set fire to the house. = (more formally) They set the house afire/aflame/ablaze. [=they caused the house to begin burning] ▪ I wish I knew how to set your mind at ease. [=to help you stop worrying] ▪ She set him right/straight about what happened. [=she told him that he was wrong and explained what really happened] ▪ We should set our own house in order [=correct the way we do things] before we criticize them.
▪ My boss set me to organizing the files. ▪ She set [=assigned] her students the task of writing a three-page report. ▪ setting homework for the children
▪ We sat on the beach and watched the sun set. — opposite 1rise 5
▪ She crossed her arms, set her jaw, and refused to answer any questions. ▪ He set his lips firmly.
▪ The gelatin needs a few hours to set. ▪ My nail polish is still setting. ▪ a quick-setting cement
b : to become permanent [no obj] ▪ If you don't wash your shirt right away, the stain will set. [=you will not be able to remove the stain] [+ obj] ▪ Hot water will set the stain.
▪ She gets her hair set and styled twice a week.
▪ a word set in italics
set about [phrasal verb]
set about (something) : to begin to do (something)
▪ They set about (the task of) creating a new Web site. — sometimes followed by to + verb ▪ They set about to create a new Web site.
▪ They set about (the task of) creating a new Web site. — sometimes followed by to + verb ▪ They set about to create a new Web site.
set against [phrasal verb] 1 set (something) against (something) a : to compare (something) to (something else)
▪ Let's set the advantages against the disadvantages. — often used as (be) set against ▪ The challenges of fixing the problem now must be set against the dangers of waiting until later to act. ▪ The fines were small when set against the company's huge annual profits. — see also 1set 2 (above)
b Brit : to list (something) as an expense in order to reduce (income for which you must pay tax)
▪ You can set your mortgage payments against your rental income. 2 set (yourself) against (someone or something) : to decide that you do not support (something or someone) : to be or become opposed to (something or someone)
▪ She set herself against the prevailing beliefs of the time. ▪ He has set himself against (joining) them. 3 set (someone) against (someone) : to cause (someone) to disagree with or oppose (someone)
▪ The incident set brother against sister.
▪ Let's set the advantages against the disadvantages. — often used as (be) set against ▪ The challenges of fixing the problem now must be set against the dangers of waiting until later to act. ▪ The fines were small when set against the company's huge annual profits. — see also 1set 2 (above)
b Brit : to list (something) as an expense in order to reduce (income for which you must pay tax)
▪ You can set your mortgage payments against your rental income.
▪ She set herself against the prevailing beliefs of the time. ▪ He has set himself against (joining) them.
▪ The incident set brother against sister.
set apart [phrasal verb] 1 set (someone or something) apart : to be a quality that makes (someone or something) better than or different from other people or things — usually + from ▪ What sets her apart (from the other teachers) is her great passion for her work. ▪ His great height set him apart from the other men in his family. 2 set (something) apart : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose — often used as (be) set apart — usually + for ▪ A few acres of the city were set apart for a park.
set aside [phrasal verb]
set (something) aside or set aside (something) 1 : to move (something) to the side because you are not working on it, dealing with it, etc.
▪ Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set the mixture aside. : to wait until later to use or deal with (something) ▪ I've set your memo aside for now but I'll read it this afternoon. ▪ The committee set aside discussion of the proposal until their next meeting. 2 : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose
▪ The hotel set aside [=set apart] 20 rooms for the guests of the bride and groom. ▪ We need to set some money aside for our vacation. 3 : to stop thinking about, talking about, or being affected by (something)
▪ They decided to set aside their differences and work together. ▪ Setting aside the fact that the meal was extremely expensive, dinner was very enjoyable. 4 law : to change or reverse (a legal decision, conviction, etc.)
▪ The verdict was set aside [=overturned] by the court.
▪ Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set the mixture aside. : to wait until later to use or deal with (something) ▪ I've set your memo aside for now but I'll read it this afternoon. ▪ The committee set aside discussion of the proposal until their next meeting.
▪ The hotel set aside [=set apart] 20 rooms for the guests of the bride and groom. ▪ We need to set some money aside for our vacation.
▪ They decided to set aside their differences and work together. ▪ Setting aside the fact that the meal was extremely expensive, dinner was very enjoyable.
▪ The verdict was set aside [=overturned] by the court.
set back [phrasal verb] 1 set (something or someone) back or set back (something or someone) : to make the progress of (something or someone) slower or more difficult : to cause (something or someone) to go back to an earlier or worse condition
▪ A recent lack of funding has set back research on the disease. ▪ If the law is reversed, it will set us back 20 years. [=it will undo 20 years of progress] ▪ setting back progress 2 set (someone) back informal : 2cost
▪ A new suit will set you back at least $200.
▪ A recent lack of funding has set back research on the disease. ▪ If the law is reversed, it will set us back 20 years. [=it will undo 20 years of progress] ▪ setting back progress
▪ A new suit will set you back at least $200.
set down [phrasal verb] 1 set down (something) : to create or establish (a rule, requirement, etc.)
▪ All participants must follow the guidelines set down [=established] by the organization. ▪ Once she sets down the rules, there's no changing her mind. 2 set (something) down or set down (something) a : to record (something) by writing it down
▪ She took out her notebook and started setting down her thoughts. ▪ When an idea for a song comes to me, I set it down on paper. ▪ setting an agreement down in writing
b : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
▪ We had to set the plane down in a field. 3 set (someone) down : to allow (someone) to get off a bus, airplane, etc.
▪ I asked the taxi driver to set me down [=drop me off, (US) let me off] in front of the library.
▪ All participants must follow the guidelines set down [=established] by the organization. ▪ Once she sets down the rules, there's no changing her mind.
▪ She took out her notebook and started setting down her thoughts. ▪ When an idea for a song comes to me, I set it down on paper. ▪ setting an agreement down in writing
b : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
▪ We had to set the plane down in a field.
▪ I asked the taxi driver to set me down [=drop me off, (US) let me off] in front of the library.
set eyes on — see 1eye
set foot in/on — see 1foot
set forth [phrasal verb] 1 literary : to begin a journey
▪ We will set forth [=set out] at dawn. 2 set forth (something) or set (something) forth formal : to explain or describe (something) in an organized way
▪ The author sets forth [=states] the book's premise in its first two pages.
▪ We will set forth [=set out] at dawn.
▪ The author sets forth [=states] the book's premise in its first two pages.
set forward [phrasal verb]
set (something) forward or set forward (something) : to explain or describe (something) so that it can be considered
▪ She has set forward [=presented] an ambitious plan to fix the nation's health-care system.
▪ She has set forward [=presented] an ambitious plan to fix the nation's health-care system.
set in [phrasal verb]
: to begin to be present, seen, etc. — used of something unpleasant or unwanted that often lasts for a long time ▪ The kids should go outside and play before the rain sets in again. ▪ An infection set in after the surgery. ▪ Reality was starting to set in. [=become obvious] We were not going to win.
set in stone — see 1stone
set loose — see let loose at 2loose
set off [phrasal verb] 1 : to begin traveling in a particular direction
▪ We set off for home. ▪ They set off in a different direction. ▪ In the first chapter, the hero sets off on a long voyage across the ocean. 2 set off (something) also set (something) off : to cause (something) to start or happen
▪ set off an explosion ▪ Her comments set off [=touched off] a chain of events that led to two people losing their jobs. ▪ The incident set off a debate about how public land should be used. 3 set off (something) or set (something) off a : to cause (something) to begin making noise
▪ The thick smoke set off the school's fire alarms. ▪ Your watch will probably set the metal detectors off.
b : to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode
▪ They were accused of setting off the bomb that destroyed the building. ▪ It was set off by remote control.
c : to make (something) easy to see or notice
▪ The blue in your sweater sets off [=accents] your eyes. ▪ Bright yellow police tape set off the area where the crime occurred. ▪ a quote set off by quotation marks 4 set (someone) off : to cause (someone) to suddenly start yelling, crying, laughing, etc.
▪ I wonder what set her off.
▪ We set off for home. ▪ They set off in a different direction. ▪ In the first chapter, the hero sets off on a long voyage across the ocean.
▪ set off an explosion ▪ Her comments set off [=touched off] a chain of events that led to two people losing their jobs. ▪ The incident set off a debate about how public land should be used.
▪ The thick smoke set off the school's fire alarms. ▪ Your watch will probably set the metal detectors off.
b : to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode
▪ They were accused of setting off the bomb that destroyed the building. ▪ It was set off by remote control.
c : to make (something) easy to see or notice
▪ The blue in your sweater sets off [=accents] your eyes. ▪ Bright yellow police tape set off the area where the crime occurred. ▪ a quote set off by quotation marks
▪ I wonder what set her off.
set on [phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) on (someone) : to make (a person or animal) suddenly attack (someone)
▪ Police dogs were set on the protesters. ▪ She set her friends on him.
▪ Police dogs were set on the protesters. ▪ She set her friends on him.
set out [phrasal verb] 1 a : to begin traveling in a particular direction
▪ We got out of the car and set out for the nearest gas station. ▪ They set out toward the east.
b : to start doing something : to begin an activity or effort with a particular plan or purpose
▪ She set out with the goal of going to the Olympics. — often followed by to + verb ▪ She accomplishes whatever she sets out [=intends] to do. ▪ I never set out to hurt you. [=I was not trying to hurt you] ▪ He set out to become a lawyer but ended up teaching history instead. 2 set (something) out or set out (something) a : to explain or describe (something)
▪ In the article, the group sets out the role of parents in a child's education. ▪ He set out the basic argument between the two groups.
b : to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used
▪ We'll need to set a few extra chairs out for our guests. ▪ They set out maps and travel brochures for the tourists to take.
▪ We got out of the car and set out for the nearest gas station. ▪ They set out toward the east.
b : to start doing something : to begin an activity or effort with a particular plan or purpose
▪ She set out with the goal of going to the Olympics. — often followed by to + verb ▪ She accomplishes whatever she sets out [=intends] to do. ▪ I never set out to hurt you. [=I was not trying to hurt you] ▪ He set out to become a lawyer but ended up teaching history instead.
▪ In the article, the group sets out the role of parents in a child's education. ▪ He set out the basic argument between the two groups.
b : to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used
▪ We'll need to set a few extra chairs out for our guests. ▪ They set out maps and travel brochures for the tourists to take.
set pen to paper — see 1pen
set sail — see 2sail
set the pace — see 1pace
set the record straight — see 1record
set the scene — see scene
set the stage — see 1stage
set to
[phrasal verb] Brit, literary : to begin doing something in an active and serious way
▪ We set to and soon finished the work.
▪ We set to and soon finished the work.
set up [phrasal verb] 1 : to prepare for something by putting things where they need to be
▪ We have one hour left to set up for the party. ▪ We had better start setting up. 2 set up (something) or set (something) up a : to create or establish (something) for a particular purpose
▪ A panel needs to be set up to investigate the issue. ▪ She hopes that in a few years she can set up a private practice of her own. ▪ A foundation was set up for people with the disease. ▪ The church set up a school for the city's homeless children. ▪ The hikers set up camp [=they prepared an area where they could sleep outside] just before sunset.
b : to arrange and plan (an event or activity)
▪ I'll ask my secretary to set up a meeting with our clients. ▪ Let's set up a time to get together. ▪ He was the one who set up the bank robbery.
c : to put (something) in an upright position
▪ They set up flags along the street for the parade. ▪ Help me set the tent up.
d : to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used
▪ They set up the movie camera next to the door. ▪ This computer wasn't set up to run so many programs at one time. 3 set (someone) up or set up (someone) a : to cause (someone) to be in a bad situation or to appear guilty
▪ Those aren't his drugs. Someone must have set him up! [=framed him; made it look like the drugs were his] ▪ He claimed he was set up by the police.
b Brit : to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy
▪ She says that daily exercise has set her up to face the challenges of getting old.
c : to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc.
▪ She set me up in a great apartment in the city. ▪ He set his son up with a job at his company.
d : to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something
▪ The team's excellent defense set them up to score the winning touchdown. — usually + for ▪ I think you're just setting yourself up for a big disappointment. [=you're expecting something that won't happen and you will be disappointed when it doesn't]
e : to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship
▪ “How did you first meet your husband?” “My best friend set us up.” — often + with ▪ She wants to set him up with her sister. 4 set (yourself) up as (something) a : to try to make people believe that you are (something)
▪ She has set herself up as the best alternative to the current administration. ▪ He sets himself up as a defender of the people, but he's really only interested in getting more power.
b also set up as (something) or set up in (something) : to start your own business
▪ She set (herself) up as a wedding planner. [=she began working as a wedding planner] ▪ He set up in business after finishing college. — see also setup
▪ We have one hour left to set up for the party. ▪ We had better start setting up.
▪ A panel needs to be set up to investigate the issue. ▪ She hopes that in a few years she can set up a private practice of her own. ▪ A foundation was set up for people with the disease. ▪ The church set up a school for the city's homeless children. ▪ The hikers set up camp [=they prepared an area where they could sleep outside] just before sunset.
b : to arrange and plan (an event or activity)
▪ I'll ask my secretary to set up a meeting with our clients. ▪ Let's set up a time to get together. ▪ He was the one who set up the bank robbery.
c : to put (something) in an upright position
▪ They set up flags along the street for the parade. ▪ Help me set the tent up.
d : to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used
▪ They set up the movie camera next to the door. ▪ This computer wasn't set up to run so many programs at one time.
▪ Those aren't his drugs. Someone must have set him up! [=framed him; made it look like the drugs were his] ▪ He claimed he was set up by the police.
b Brit : to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy
▪ She says that daily exercise has set her up to face the challenges of getting old.
c : to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc.
▪ She set me up in a great apartment in the city. ▪ He set his son up with a job at his company.
d : to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something
▪ The team's excellent defense set them up to score the winning touchdown. — usually + for ▪ I think you're just setting yourself up for a big disappointment. [=you're expecting something that won't happen and you will be disappointed when it doesn't]
e : to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship
▪ “How did you first meet your husband?” “My best friend set us up.” — often + with ▪ She wants to set him up with her sister.
▪ She has set herself up as the best alternative to the current administration. ▪ He sets himself up as a defender of the people, but he's really only interested in getting more power.
b also set up as (something) or set up in (something) : to start your own business
▪ She set (herself) up as a wedding planner. [=she began working as a wedding planner] ▪ He set up in business after finishing college. — see also setup
set up house — see 1house
set upon [phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) upon (someone) : to attack (someone or something) — often used as (be) set upon ▪ The protesters were set upon by police dogs.
set up shop — see 1shop
set your heart on — see heart
set your mind to — see 1mind
set your teeth on edge — see tooth
