| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
set upon [ˈset əˌpɒn] | attack someone suddenly and aggressively |
Other meanings
- criticize someone strongly
- start dealing with something with strong effort or determination
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "set upon"
- The dogs suddenly set upon the intruder.
- Reporters set upon the politician with difficult questions.
- Once we arrived, everyone set upon the task immediately.
Features of Using "set upon"
Separability:Inseparable
Transitivity:Transitive
Level:B2
This phrasal verb is mainly used in more formal or descriptive contexts. It often implies intensity or suddenness. It always keeps its object directly after the verb, making it inseparable.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb set
set up
to establish or arrange something
set off
to start a journey
set out
to begin a journey or start an activity with a purpose
set in
to begin and seem likely to continue
set apart
to make something or someone different, distinctive, or special
set aside
to save or reserve something for a special purpose
set back
to delay the progress of something
set against
compare or contrast something with something else
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb set, including its forms and usage.