set (up)on (doing something)

set (up)on (doing something)

Determined to do or achieve something. My cousin, set upon being the best tennis player in the world, trains for six hours every day. She's been set on becoming a fighter pilot ever since she was a little girl.See also: set

set (someone or an animal) on (someone or an animal)

to command someone or an animal to attack someone or an animal. The gang leader set his thugs on the unwary tourists. Scott set his hounds on the raccoon.See also: on, set

set something (up)on something

to place something on the surface of something. Mrs. Franklin set a bowl of fruit upon the table. I set my empty glass on the counter.See also: on, set

set upon someone or something

to attack someone or something violently. The dogs set upon the bear and chased it up a tree. Bill set upon Tom and struck him hard in the face.See also: set, upon

set on

Also, set upon. 1. Attack; see set at. 2. Instigate, urge one to engage in action, as in The older boys set on the young ones to get in trouble. [Early 1500s] 3. be set on or upon . Be determined to, as in He's set on studying law. See also: on, set

set on

v.1. To attack someone or something: The lions set on the gazelles.2. To urge or incite someone or something to attack someone or something: The guards set attack dogs on the intruder.See also: on, set

set upon

v. To attack someone or something violently: The gang set upon their victim with clubs.See also: set, upon

set on

Resolved to do something or strongly wishing for something: She is set on getting a role in the play.See also: on, set