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3. set upon

set upon

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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.

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set upon somebody/something

to attack someone or something I saw an old man set upon by muggers in an alley. Demonstrators wearing ski masks set upon a stopped police car.

See also: set, upon

set upon

v.

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

See also: set, upon