1 C1 idiomatic formal
To suddenly and violently attack someone, especially as part of a group.
"The tourists were set upon by a group of thieves in a dark alleyway."
inseparable
set upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To attack someone suddenly and violently, often as a group.
In plain English
To suddenly attack someone — usually more than one person attacking at once.
What does "set upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
To urge or direct a dog or animal to attack someone.
"The guard set the dog upon the intruder who had climbed the fence."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be placed upon by force — attackers literally putting themselves on top of someone.
Actually means
To suddenly attack someone — usually more than one person attacking at once.
Usage tip
Formal and literary in tone; rarely used in everyday spoken English. More likely to appear in news reports, novels, or historical writing. Typically describes a sudden, unexpected physical assault. Often passive: 'he was set upon'.
Words that pair with "set upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
muggers gang attackers mob dogs thieves
How to conjugate "set upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets upon
he/she/it
Past simple
set upon
yesterday
Past participle
set upon
have + pp
-ing form
setting upon
continuous
Hear "set upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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