English

Verb

set back ‎(third-person singular simple present sets back, present participle setting back, simple past and past participle set back)

1. (transitive) To delay or obstruct.
   • 1898, Winston Churchill, chapter 4, in The Celebrity:

     “Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.

   I expect it will set us back by a day or so, but I think a side trip will be worthwhile.‎

2. (transitive) To remove from or allow distance.

   Set it back from the road by twenty or thirty feet.‎

3. (transitive, idiomatic) To cost money, as.

   How much do you suppose that fancy dress set her back?‎

Translations

See also

• setback

Anagrams

• backest