set-to

1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌtü 

plural set-tos

: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

set to

2 of 2

verb

set to; setting to; sets to

intransitive verb

1

: to begin actively and earnestly

2

: to begin fighting

Synonyms

Noun

• altercation
• argle-bargle [chiefly British]
• argument
• argy-bargy [chiefly British]
• battle royal
• bicker
• brawl
• contretemps
• controversy
• cross fire
• disagreement
• dispute
• donnybrook
• falling-out
• fight
• hassle
• imbroglio
• kickup
• misunderstanding
• quarrel
• rhubarb
• row
• scrap
• spat
• squabble
• tiff
• wrangle

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Noun

they had a brief set-to about money, but they seem to have resolved it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Into this unholy mess blunders Juan (Juan Amador), bearing the gushing stigmata of a violent set-to in a Sacramento bar. —Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023

His truest, ugliest self tends to emerge in his increasingly frequent set-tos with Linda, whose impatience with his documentary persona gradually wears through even her considerable acting ability. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023

Verb

Here's how the Fed's rate cut today may impact your finances Meta bans RT and other Russian state media outlets Boeing set to start large-scale furloughs due to machinists strike In: U.S. Air Force Kerry Breen Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 19 Sep. 2024

She’s also set to write and executive produce Frozen 4. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1