set verb 1.

set the books down there|a house set in parkland put, put down, place,
lay, lay down, deposit, position, rest, locate, lodge, situate, station, posit; inf. stick,
park, plonk. 2. set the post in the ground|set a jewel in the ring fix, embed, insert,
lodge, mount, arrange, install. 3. set pen to paper put, apply, lay, place, bring into
contact with, touch. 4. set your mind to it apply, direct, aim, turn, address, focus,
concentrate, zero in on. 5. set one's watch adjust, regulate, synchronize, coordinate,
harmonize, collimate, calibrate, rectify, set right. 6. set the machine to start fix,
make ready, prepare, arrange, organize. 7. set the table lay, make ready, prepare,
arrange. 8. set her hair fix, style, arrange, curl, wave. 9. the sky set with stars|a
dress set with sequins decorate, adorn, ornament, deck, bedeck, embellish, furbish,
bejewel. 10. set things in motion|set it on fire put, cause to be, start, actuate,
instigate. 11. the jelly/concrete won't set solidify, stiffen, thicken, jell, harden, cake,
congeal, coagulate, crystallize, gelatinize. 12. the sun setting go down, sink, dip below
the horizon, vanish, disappear, subside, decline. 13. set them thinking set off, start,
begin, motivate, cause. 14. set a new record set up, establish, fix, create, bring into
being, bring into existence, institute. 15. set a date/time for the meeting fix, fix on,
settle, agree on, appoint, decide on, name, specify, stipulate, determine, designate,
select, choose, arrange, schedule, confirm. 16. set down rules lay down, impose,
establish, define, determine, stipulate, prescribe, ordain, allot. 17. set them tasks
assign, allocate, allot, give, give out, distribute, dispense, mete out, deal out, dole out,
prescribe. 18. set her services at naught evaluate, valuate, value, assess, price, rate,
estimate, reckon, calculate. 19. faces/footsteps set towards home direct, steer,
orientate, point, incline, bend, train, aim. SET ABOUT 1. set about clearing up begin,
start, make a start on, commence, set to, get to work, get down to, get going, tackle,
undertake, address oneself to, attack, enter upon, put the wheels in motion, set in
motion, set the ball rolling, lead off, put into execution, put one's shoulder to the
wheel, put one's hand to the plough; inf. get cracking, get weaving, sail into, wade into.
2. set about the intruders with a stick attack, assault, assail, belabour; inf. sail into.
SET APART 1. behaviour setting him apart from the rest differentiate, mark off,
distinguish, single out, demarcate, characterize. 2. set apart some logs for winter lay
aside, put aside, reserve. SET ASIDE 1. set aside money/food for later lay aside, lay by,
put away, put aside, set apart, save, reserve, keep in reserve, keep, put down, store,
stockpile, hoard, deposit, stow away, salt away, squirrel away; inf. stash away 2. set
aside the newspaper put aside, put to one side, move to one side, cast aside, discard,
abandon, dispense with, drop. 3. set aside our differences for now put aside, forget,
disregard, ignore, discount, bury, consign to oblivion. 4. set aside the judge's ruling
overrule, overturn, reverse, nullify, render null and void, annul, quash, dismiss, reject,
cancel, repudiate, abrogate. SET BACK set back their progress hinder, impede,
obstruct, hold up, delay, slow down, retard, check, thwart. SET DOWN 1. set down a
list of requirements write down, write out, put in writing, commit to writing, put down,
mark down, jot down, note down, record, register, tabulate, catalogue. 2. set his
incompetence down to inexperience put down, attribute, ascribe, assign, lay at the door
of, charge. SET FORTH 1. set forth for the city set out, start out, depart. See SET OUT
1. 2. set forth their demands declare, state, expound, describe, detail, delineate,
submit, present, bring forward, advance. SET IN winter has set in begin, start,
commence, arrive, come, come into being. SET OFF 1. set off for the city set out, start
out, set forth, depart. See SET OUT 1. 2. set off a bomb detonate, explode, blow up,
ignite, light. 3. set off a flurry of selling on the stock market cause, begin, start,
commence, initiate, set in motion, prompt, touch off, incite, stimulate, encourage. 4. a
dress setting off the blue of her eyes enhance, bring out, heighten, intensify, increase,
emphasize, show off, throw into relief. SET ON thugs setting on the old man attack,
assault, strike, beat, beat up, fall upon, pounce on, go for, fly at; inf. mug, sail into.
SET OUT 1. they set out for the city early set off, set forth, start out, depart, leave,
take one's departure, get under way, embark, sally forth; inf. hit the road. 2. I didn't
set out to hurt them intend to, have the intention of, aim to, have the aim of, mean to,
have in mind, set one's sights on, aspire to. 3. set out goods on a counter lay out,
arrange, dispose, present, exhibit, display, array, expose to view. 4. they will set out
their demands set forth, declare, state, describe, detail, submit, present. See SET
FORTH 2. SET UP. 1. they set up a statue in his memory put up, erect, raise, elevate,
construct, build, assemble. 2. we set up a business/scholarship establish, institute,
found, create, bring into being, start, begin, initiate, inaugurate, institute, organize, set
going, get going, lay the foundations of. 3. we must set up a meeting arrange,
prearrange, organize, prepare, plan, devise, fix. 4. the country air will soon set the
invalid up make better, make stronger, strengthen, build up, restore, invigorate,
energize, fortify, rehabilitate.set noun 1. a set of articles for sale collection, group,
assemblage, series, batch, arrangement, array, succession, progression, assortment,
selection. 2. the golfing set circle, crowd, clique, group, gang, coterie, faction, band,
company, sect; inf. crew. 3. the set of his shoulder/eyes bearing, carriage, cast,
posture, position, altitude, turn, inclination. 4. paint the set stage set, stage setting,
setting, stage scene, scene, scenery, backdrop, wings, flats, #6mise en scene#5.set
adjective 1. set texts/meals fixed, prescribed, scheduled, specified, predetermined,
prearranged, determined, arranged, appointed, established, decided, agreed. 2. her set
routine customary, regular, normal, usual, habitual, accustomed, everyday, common. 3.
give a set speech stock, standard, habitual, routine, rehearsed, unspontaneous,
hackneyed, conventional, stereotyped. 4. people of set opinions|set in their ways fixed,
firm, rooted, immovable, deep-seated, ingrained, entrenched, rigid, inflexible,
hidebound. 5. all set for the journey ready, prepared, equipped, primed, fit. 6. set on
getting his own way intent, resolved, determined, bent on, resolute about, earnest
about. Antonyms: UNUSUAL; FLEXIBLE; OPEN-MINDED.

/set/ v.1 Infl. -tt-. Pa. t. & pple set. [OE settan = OFris. setta, OS settian (Du. zetten),
OHG sezzan (G setzen), ON setja, Goth. satjan, f. Gmc causative f. base of SIT v. Cf.
SEIZE v.] I Seat; sit. 1 v.t. Place in a sitting posture; cause to occupy a seat; seat.
Chiefly w. specification of place, passing into other senses. OE. b Put (a hen bird) to sit
on eggs. LME. 2 Also foll. by down: a v.refl. Seat oneself, take a seat, sit down. Now
chiefly Sc. ME. b v.t. In pass. Be seated. ME. c v.i. Sit, be seated. Now chiefly Sc. & N.
Amer. dial. ME. 3 v.i. a Remain, continue, lie; weigh (up)on. Now chiefly US & dial.
LME. b Have a certain set or hang; sit (well or ill, tightly or loosely, etc.). E19. 4 v.t.
Become, befit, suit. Chiefly Sc. L15. 5 v.t. Sit on (a horse etc.) in riding. rare. M17. II
Sink, descend. 6 v.i. Subside, abate. OE-ME. 7 v.i. Of the sun or other celestial object:
go down; make an apparent descent towards and below the horizon. ME. b Of the day:
come to its close. poet. E17. c fig. Decline, wane. E17. 8 v.i. Naut. Fall with a heavy
sea. Only in heave and set. E16-L17. III Put (more or less permanently) in a definite
place. 9 v.t. Place on or as on a foundation; build, erect. OE-L15. 10 v.t. & (now rare)
i. Put (a young plant, a cutting, etc.) in the ground to grow. Also, plant (a seed)
individually (and not broadcast). OE. 11 a v.t. Put down as a deposit or security. OE-
M17. b v.t. & i. Put (a sum of money) down as a stake; stake, wager. Now chiefly
Austral. L15. c v.i. Dominoes. Play first. M19. 12 v.t. Put or place, cause to be, lie, rest,
or stand, in a locality specified by an adverbial expression; (foll. by to) place against,
apply (one thing) to another. OE. b In pass. Be situated, lie (in a certain locality); be
placed (at a certain height, interval, etc.); have a certain position or arrangement by
nature. OE. c Represent (a story, play, scene, etc.) as happening in a certain place or at
a certain time. E20. 13 v.t. Put down in writing or in print; put down or enter in a
catalogue, account, etc.; mention or discuss in a text; record. Now only foll. by down.
ME. 14 v.t. spec. Put (an ornament, fitting, piece of furniture, etc.) in a place allotted
or adapted to receive it; fit, fix. Passing into branch VI. ME. 15 v.t. Geom. etc. Lay or
mark off (a line of a definite length). E17. IV Place or cause to be in a certain position
(other than simply local). 16 v.t. Place in a state, condition, relation, connection,
sphere, position, or posture specified by an adverbial or complementary adjectival
expression. OE. 17 v.t. Give, bestow, assign (a name). OE-M17. 18 v.t. Add (one thing)
to another; apply or allot (money) to; apply (a remedy) to. OE-L16. 19 v.t. a Lay as a
burden or trial (up)on; impose or inflict (a penalty, tax, etc.) (up)on. OE-M18. b Place as
a distinguishing mark, token, or imprint (up)on. Now rhet. OE. c Lay or spread as a
surface or coating (up)on. Now chiefly fig., put (a favourable or specious appearance)
(up)on a thing. M16. d Fix (a certain price or value) (up)on a thing. Now chiefly in set a
price on a person's head s.v. PRICE n. M16. e Stake the welfare or existence of
(something) (up)on; in pass., be dependent for its destiny (up)on. L16. 20 v.t. Foll. by
against: put (one thing) in the balance against another; enter on the opposite side to (a
previous entry) in an account etc.; reckon as a counterpoise or compensation for.
Formerly also (foll. by by, to), compare (one thing) to another. L16. V Appoint,
institute, establish. 21 v.t. Post or station (a person) in a certain place to perform
certain duties. Formerly also, give an official appointment to. Passing into sense 54a.
OE. 22 v.t. Place in a position of superiority or control over another (e.g. as a ruler,
protector, guard). OE. 23 v.t. Determine, decide, establish, appoint, (now esp. a
boundary, a limit, a pace). Formerly also, lay down (a law), prescribe (a form or order).
OE. 24 v.t. spec. Fix or appoint (a time) for the transaction of an affair or as the
termination of a period. Also, fix or allow a time for. OE. 25 v.t. Present (an example or
pattern) for others to follow; exhibit as a type or model; initiate, introduce (a fashion).
ME. b Start (a hymn etc.) for others to take up. LME-M18. 26 v.t. Present or impose as
work to be done or a matter to be dealt with; allot (a task). ME. b spec. Present (a
question or set of questions) for solving or answering; prescribe (a text) for an
examination or a course of study. E18. 27 v.t. Let on lease, lease, let. Now local. ME.
28 v.t. Fix the amount of (a fine or other payment), fix or put down at a certain figure.
LME. VI Fix or arrange in a required position or manner. 29 v.t. Spread out (a net) to
catch animals; lay (a trap). OE. 30 v.t. Put (a thing) in place or in a certain position; fix
up in the proper or required manner. OE. b Put in operation, set going. L15. 31 v.t. Fix
(a stone or gem) in a surface or framework of metal or (formerly) on a garment, as an
ornament. Also, fashion (a design or pattern) in precious stones. ME. b transf. & fig.
Place or insert (a thing) in a certain setting or framework. Formerly also spec., frame (a
picture). M16. 32 v.t. Put (a sail) up in position to catch the wind; (of a ship) carry (so
much canvas) with the sails set. ME. 33 v.t. Regulate or adjust by a standard; esp.
adjust (a clock etc.) to tell the right time. LME. 34 v.t. techn. Put in a particular place
as part of a manufacturing etc. process; put into an oven or furnace to bake or harden;
put (milk) in a vessel for the addition of rennet in cheese-making; add yeast to (flour).
L15. 35 v.t. Campanol. Pull on (a bell) until it stands still in an inverted position, either
balanced or held by the stay and the slider. L17. 36 v.t. Computing. Cause (a binary
storage unit) to enter a prescribed state, spec. that representing the numeral 1. M20. VII
Put in a certain order, give a planned or required arrangement, shape, or form to. 37
v.t. Compose, write, (a treatise or book); translate. OE-E17. 38 v.t. Array (an army) for
battle. ME-E17. 39 v.t. a Adjust (one's clothing, the hair). ME-E18. b Arrange and fix
(the hair) when damp so that it dries in the desired style. E20. 40 v.t. Make (a table)
ready for a meal, spread (a table) with food etc.; lay out (a meal) ready for eating, put
out ready for use at a meal. LME. 41 a v.t. Put (a broken or dislocated bone, limb, etc.)
into a position allowing healing and the restoration of the normal condition; deal with (a
fracture or dislocation) in this way. LME. b v.i. Of a bone etc.: be restored to the normal
condition after fracture or dislocation. L16. 42 v.t. Put an edge on (a cutting
instrument, esp. a razor). LME. 43 v.t. Tune (an instrument). L15-L16. 44 v.t. Provide
(words) with music for singing (more fully set to music); write (a musical composition)
for certain voices or instruments. E16. 45 v.t. Printing & Typogr. Arrange (characters)
by hand or machine, or electronically, in the order to be reproduced in print, compose;
arrange the type or type images for (a book etc.), put (a book etc.) into print. M16. 46
v.t. Pleat (a ruff); arrange the pleats of (a gown). M16-E17. 47 v.t. Adjust (the teeth of
a saw) by deflection alternately in opposite directions so as to produce a cut of the
required width; adjust the teeth of (a saw) in this way; adjust (the blade of a plane) in
relation to the sole in order to vary the depth of cut. L17. 48 v.t. Fix the pattern,
weave, or texture of (a fabric). L17. 49 v.t. Theatr. Construct (a scene) on the stage;
arrange (an item of scenery) in a particular way on the stage; arrange scenery on (a
stage). L18. 50 v.t. Give the required adjustment, alignment, or shape to; arrange (an
insect specimen, an insect's wings, etc.) so as to dry in a suitable position; dispose
suitably for use or action; make (a mechanical contrivance, an instrument, etc.) ready
for operation; adjust (an alarm, an alarm clock) to sound at a certain time. M19. VIII
(Cause to) take a particular direction. 51 v.t. Take (a journey), direct (one's course).
Long only Naut., fix the direction of (a ship's course). OE. 52 v.i. a Proceed in a
specified direction; begin to move, start off, put out. Without adv. (phr.) now only Sc.
OE. b (Of a current, wind, etc.) take or have a specified direction or course; fig. tend in
a specified direction. LME. 53 v.t. a Cause to go into a certain place or from one place
to another; convey, transport. Now rare. ME. b Of a current, wind, etc.: cause to move,
carry along in a specified direction. LME. c Accompany or escort (a person) for part or
all of the way. Chiefly Sc. & north. M18. 54 a v.t. Put (a person) to a piece of work or a
task, to doing; instruct or cause (a person) to do; start (a person or thing) doing, on
doing, (arch.) a-doing, (up)on a piece of work or a task. ME. b v.t. Direct (one's mind,
intention, or will) to the consideration or performance of something, to do; fix (one's
mind etc.) (up)on a piece of work or a task. ME. c v.refl. & i. Start to do, doing, (arch.)
a-doing; apply oneself to doing, to do, to a piece of work or a task. LME. d v.t. Cause (a
person, oneself) to be busy about. E17. 55 a v.t. Place in a position of hostility or
opposition; cause to be hostile or antagonistic (foll. by against, at, to); pit against;
refl. & in pass. be hostile or antagonistic. ME. b v.i. Make an attack. Only foll. by prep.
(see below). ME. c v.t. Incite (esp. a dog or other animal) to make an attack or go in
pursuit. Usu. foll. by at, on. LME. 56 v.t. Direct or point (one's face, foot, etc.) to,
towards, for a place; put (a person) on the way leading to a destination. LME. 57 v.i. &
t. Propel (a boat or other craft) with a pole; punt. M16. IX Place mentally; suppose,
estimate. 58 v.t. Posit, assume, suppose. ME-E18. 59 v.t. Place mentally or
conceptually in a certain category or on a certain point on a scale. ME. 60 v.t. Fix the
value or price of (a thing) at so much; estimate the amount of at so much; assess (a
person) at so much. Now arch. & literary exc. US. ME. 61 v.t. w. advb. obj. Have (a
certain estimate) of a person or thing: in idiomatic phrs. expr. high or low regard, great
or little esteem. Foll. by by, (up)on. Now arch. & dial. exc. in phrs. LME. X Put or come
into a settled or rigid position or state. 62 v.t. In pass. Be resolved or determined (to
do, (occas.) that). Now usu., be likely to do, be poised or about to do; also, be destined
or heading for. ME. 63 v.t. In pass. Have one's mind or will fixed (up)on. LME. b Be well
etc. disposed. LME-E18. c Psychol. Be predisposed towards, to do. M20. 64 v.t. Dyeing.
a Prepare (woad) for dyeing. Now rare. LME. b Make (a colour) fast or permanent. E17.
65 a v.t. Give a fixed or settled expression to (the eyes, the face, etc.); give a fixed or
rigid position to (a part of the body, etc.). Usu. in pass., have or assume a fixed look or
expression; have or assume a rigid attitude or state; spec. (of an athlete) be poised to
start a race, gen. be prepared for action, be ready (to do, for). M16. b v.t. Press (the
teeth, lips) together into a rigid position; clench (the teeth), compress (the lips,
mouth). E17. c v.i. (Of the teeth) clench against each other (now rare); (of the face
etc.) have or assume a fixed or settled expression. E17. d v.i. Become bent or twisted as
a result of strain. L18. 66 v.t. Puzzle, nonplus, baffle; tax the resources of. Now Sc. &
north. L16. 67 v.i. Dancing. Take up a position and perform a number of steps with one's
face to one's partner or to the dancer on one's right or left. Foll. by to. M17. 68 a v.t.
Cause (a fruit or vegetable) to form by the process of fertilization; cause (a flower) to
develop into fruit. L17. b v.i. (Of a flower) form into a fruit or vegetable following
fertilization; (of a fruit or vegetable) develop from a fertilized flower. Also, (of a tree)
develop fruit. E18. 69 v.t. Put a finishing coat of plaster on (a wall etc.). L17. 70 v.t. &
i. (Cause to) become firm, hard, or rigid in consistency; curdle, coagulate. M18. b v.i. Of
cream: collect and settle on the top of the milk. M19. 71 v.t. In pass. Get stuck. Chiefly
dial. M18. 72 a v.t. Settle, establish; spec. ( a ) establish (a flock or stock) by breeding
from particular sheep; ( b ) Cricket, in pass., become accustomed to the bowling; ( c )
settle the growth of (a plant) at the desired rate etc. L18. b v.i. Of a period of time or
weather: become settled. L18. XI Senses which appear to have arisen by reversal of
construction or by an ellipsis. 73 v.t. People or garrison with. OE-ME. 74 v.t. Plant
(ground) with 'sets' or young trees. Also, in pass., be overgrown with. ME. 75 v.t. In
pass. Be ornamented, inlaid, or encrusted with; be studded, dotted, lined, etc., with.
LME. 76 v.t. Beset, besiege. Long only fig. (in pass.), in hard set, in difficulties, hard
put to it (to do). LME. 77 v.t. & i. Of a hunting dog: mark the position of (game) by
stopping, adopting a rigid attitude, and pointing the muzzle towards it. Cf. earlier
SETTER n.1 3. E17. 78 v.t. Naut. Take the bearings of (an object). E17. 79 v.t. Mark
down as prey, fix on as a victim; watch for the purpose of apprehending or robbing. Cf.
earlier SETTER n.1 1b. slang. L17.Phrases: (A selection of cross-refs. only is included:
see esp. other ns.) be set fair (of the weather) be fine and likely to continue so; be in a
favourable position (for). be set round, (arch.) be set about with be surrounded or
encircled by, have a circle of. hard set: see sense 76 above. set a copy to arch. give (a
person) a specimen of work to copy. set a fire US kindle or start a fire. set a lot by
attach great value or significance to. set an edge on, set an edge upon: see EDGE n. set
a person at his or her ease: see EASE n. set a person's teeth on edge: see EDGE n. set a
price on the head of: see PRICE n. 3. set a stitch arch. sew. set at ease: see EASE n. set
at naught: see NAUGHT pron. & n. 1. set at nought: see NOUGHT pron. & n. 1. set at
rest: see REST n.1 set by the ears: see EAR n.1 set by the heels: see HEEL n.1 set eyes
on: see EYE n. set fire to: see FIRE n. set foot in, set foot on: see FOOT n. set free
release from captivity or restraint. set in hand ( a ) take in hand, undertake; ( b ) put
out to be done, put in train. set little by consider to be of little value or significance.
set measures to: see MEASURE n. set much by = set a lot by above. set naught by have
no esteem or regard for. set one's cap at: see CAP n.1 set one's eyes at flow: see FLOW
n.1 set one's face against: see FACE n. set one's face like a flint: see FLINT n. 3. set
one's face to, set one's face towards: see FACE n. set one's hand to: see HAND n. set
one's heart on, set one's hopes on have a strong desire for, look forward to eagerly,
want wholeheartedly. set one's seal to, set one's seal on: see SEAL n.2 set one's sights
on: see SIGHT n. set one's teeth: see TOOTH n.set on fire: see FIRE n. set right: see
RIGHT a.set sail ( a ) hoist sails; ( b ) start on a sea voyage. set store by, set store on:
see STORE n. set the pace: see PACE n.1 set the record straight: see RECORD n. set the
seal to, set the seal on: see SEAL n.2 set the scene fig. describe the location or context
of events; give preliminary or background information. set the stage fig. prepare the
way or conditions (for an event etc.). set to music: see sense 44 above. set well with be
acceptable or pleasing to, be popular with.With preps. in specialized senses: set about
-- ( a ) begin working at, take steps towards, begin doing, to do; ( b ) colloq. start
beating or hitting. set against -- ( a ) make an attack on, be hostile to; ( b )
compensate for, balance; ( c ) move in a direction opposed to; (see also sense 65c
above). set at -- assail, attack. set by -- (now arch. & dial.) [by substitution of not for
naught in set naught by above] (with neg.) have no esteem or regard for; (without neg.)
esteem or value highly, think or make much of. set on -- attack violently, assail
suddenly. set upon -- ( a ) = set on above; ( b ) = set about above.With advs. in
specialized senses: set about (chiefly north.) circulate, spread about (a statement,
report, etc.). set abroach arch. ( a ) broach (a cask, liquor); ( b ) set going, give
currency or publicity to. set abroad ( a ) spread abroad, spread wide; ( b ) publish;
circulate (a report etc.); put in train. set afloat arch. ( a ) launch, float (lit. & fig.); ( b
) bring to the surface of a liquid; fig. set in motion, stir up, make active. set apart ( a
) lay aside, put on one side; dismiss from consideration; put out of one's mind; ( b )
separate out for a special purpose; devote to some use. set aside ( a ) discontinue the
performance or practice of; ( b ) dismiss from consideration; setting aside, excluding,
not counting, except for, apart from; ( c ) reject as of no value, cogency, or pertinence;
overrule; ( d ) discard or reject from use or service, in favour of another; ( e ) (chiefly
Law) annul, quash, make void, vacate; ( f ) separate out for a particular purpose or for
future use; ( g ) remove (land) from agricultural production for fallow, forestry, or other
use. set back ( a ) hinder or reverse the progress of, give a check to; colloq. cost (a
person) a specified sum of money; take aback, disconcert; ( b ) put (a clock, the hands
or digits of a clock) to an earlier time. set by ( a ) put on one side, lay aside, (lit. &
fig.); reject, dismiss; ( b ) lay up or lay by for future use. set down ( a ) place so as to
rest on a surface; put down, as on the ground; cause or allow to alight from a vehicle;
(of a vehicle) stop and allow (a person) to alight; land (an aircraft); ( b ) put down in
writing; put on paper; put down or enter in a catalogue, account, etc.; record, relate; (
c ) attribute to; ( d ) lay down (a principle), prescribe (a regulation etc.); ( e ) regard
as, take for, consider to be; ( f ) reckon that; ( g ) encamp before (a town) for a
siege; ( h ) depose from office; quell; lower (a person's pride etc.); take down, snub; (
i ) slacken (the strings or pegs of a musical instrument); (see also sense 2 above). set
forth ( a ) direct or send forward, set on the way; send out for military or naval
service; equip or fit out for a voyage or expedition; ( b ) provide; allot or set apart for
a purpose; ( c ) promulgate, publish; issue (a regulation, proclamation, etc.); ( d ) give
an account of, esp. in order, distinctly, or in detail; expound, relate, narrate, state,
describe; ( e ) (now rare) adorn, decorate; ( f ) help to progress; advance, promote;
praise, commend; ( g ) exhibit, display; ( h ) begin a journey; set out on a journey,
against an enemy, in pursuit, etc. set forward ( a ) carry, send, or thrust forward; put
(a clock, the hands or digits of a clock) to a later time; ( b ) help to progress; advance,
promote; ( c ) put forward, promulgate; advance (an opinion); ( d ) go forward, set out,
start. set in ( a ) join a fight; intervene in a dispute; ( b ) (obs. exc. dial.) start to
work, settle down (to, to do); ( c ) (of weather, a condition, etc.) begin (and seem likely
to continue), become prevalent, become established; ( d ) (of a current or wind) flow or
blow towards the shore; ( e ) insert (a sleeve etc.) into a garment. set off ( a ) give a
start to; start off, initiate, stimulate; send off into a fit of laughter etc; ( b ) cause to go
off or explode, let off, detonate (a bomb etc.); ( c ) assign to a particular purpose; ( d )
mark or measure off (a certain distance) on a surface; separate from the surrounding
context, mark off; ( e ) setin relief, make prominent or conspicuous by contrast; show to
advantage, enhance, embellish; ( f ) arch. give a flattering description of, commend,
praise; ( g ) take into account by way of compensation; put in the balance (against);
spec. in Law, allow or recognize as a counter-claim; counterbalance, compensate; ( h )
start on a journey or course; start to do; ( i ) Printing (of ink, a freshly printed sheet or
page) accidentally mark or transfer an impression on to the next sheet or page. set on
( a ) instigate, promote; ( b ) cause or urge (an animal, esp. a dog) to attack; incite or
urge on (a person) to do; ( c ) advance, send forward; set in motion, set going; start (a
person) doing something; ( d ) go forward, advance. set out ( a ) equip or fit out for a
voyage or expedition; send out for military or naval service; ( b ) give currency or
vogue to; promulgate; ( c ) exhibit on the stage or in public; put into print, publish; (
d ) declare, proclaim; express, denote; ( e ) display (wares) for sale; ( f ) display to
advantage, put forward to attract attention, make attractive, embellish, adorn; set in
relief, set off by contrast etc.; ( g ) praise, commend, extol; ( h ) put out at interest;
let or lease out; ( i ) put (a child) out to nurse; send to board with a teacher or at a
school; ( j ) set apart for certain treatment; put aside or reserve, spec. as a tithe; ( k )
put down in writing or in print in explicit or detailed form; describe or enumerate
exhaustively or in detail; ( l ) delimit, define, mark out; portion out (land) into lots;
plan, lay out (a town, road, garden, etc.); lay out (ground) with plants; ( m ) arrange or
put out for a meal or other purpose; place at suitable intervals or with an appropriate
amount of display; ( n ) begin or start on a journey or course; start on one's way, esp. on
a journey undertaken with some deliberation or of an important or arduous nature; (foll.
by to do) begin with the object of doing; begin or start off with or by doing. set over (
a ) convey to the other side of a stretch of water; ( b ) arch. make over, transfer; ( c )
US Criminals' slang kill, murder. set to ( a ) affix (one's seal or signature); ( b ) rare
set (a broken limb); = sense 41a above; ( c ) put (cocks) beak to beak to fight; ( d )
make a beginning, get to work, esp. seriously or energetically; begin fighting or
competing (with). set up ( a ) lit. place in a high or lofty position; raise to an elevated
situation; ( b ) hoist (a sail or flag); ( c ) begin uttering (vocal sound), raise (a cry); (
d ) put up for sale or auction; ( e ) arch. give notice of, advertise; ( f ) throw into
relief, make brilliant, heighten the lustre of; ( g ) place in an exalted, eminent, or
superior position; raise to power or authority; appoint to or nominate for a position; ( h
) make elated, proud, or vain (usu. in pass.); ( i ) speak highly of, extol, praise; ( j )
place in an erect position; set or stand upright; erect; ( k ) US offer or supply (drink
etc.) to customers, esp. on the house; treat to; ( l ) = sense 45 above; ( m ) assemble
and erect (a machine etc.); make ready for operation or for a particular operation;
make necessary interconnections and initial settings in (a computer); ( n ) well set up,
(of a person) well-built, sturdy; ( o ) (now rare) bring into use or vogue; establish a
course or series of; cause (a certain condition, esp. a disease) to arise (usu. in pass.); (
p ) establish (a state of things, a custom, a form of government, a society, etc.);
organize and start up (a business etc.); institute; begin the use or practice of; make
preparations or arrangements for (a meeting etc.); contrive, plot (a move, trick, etc.);
(set up house: see HOUSE n.1; set up shop: see SHOP n.); ( q ) provide (a person) with
means or resources; place in a position of prosperity or in the way of retrieving one's
fortune; establish or start (a person) in a business or profession; establish or present
(oneself) as; ( r ) bring (a person) to a position from which he or she may be knocked
down, make vulnerable to a punch etc.; fig. (slang) lead on in order to fool, cheat, or
incriminate, 'frame'; ( s ) restore, repair, make good; now only spec., bring to a proper
state of health and strength, restore to health; ( t ) put away for future use, store
away; put (a horse etc.) up in a stable; ( u ) cause hostility or opposition in (a person,
against); bring to bay; ( v ) propose or put forward (a claim, a defence, a case in law, a
theory, plan, etc.); ( w ) start in business or on a career, begin the exercise of a trade
or profession; (foll. by for) put oneself forward as being, lay claim to or to being; lay
claim or pretend to be; ( x ) put up at an inn or other lodging.Comb.: set-aside ( a )
US a thing set aside for a special purpose; ( b ) the action of setting something, spec.
land, aside for a special purpose (freq. attrib.); set-in the beginning of a period of time,
a spell of weather, etc.; set-on the way in which a thing is set on; set-screw a screw,
usu. threaded the full length of the shank, that enables two contiguous parts to be
brought into and held in their correct relative position.