Definition
- Usually passive
to assault someone
Without any warning, they set upon the innocent passerby.
The group suddenly set on him, catching him off guard.
They set upon him in the dark alley, leaving him no chance to escape.
to encircle or trap someone, hindering their escape
The police set upon the suspect and quickly encircled him.
They set upon their opponents on the field, trapping them and preventing their escape.
After the incident, the security team set upon the suspect to ensure he couldn't get away.