Pronunciation: [sˈɛt əpˌɒn] (IPA) 
The phrase "set upon" is spelled just as it sounds: /sɛt əˈpɒn/. The first part of the phrase, "set," is pronounced with a short "e" sound as in "bed" (/sɛt/). The second part, "upon," is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a short "o" sound (/əˈpɒn/). This phrase can mean to attack or assault someone, but can also be used in a non-violent sense to refer to a sudden urge or idea to do something.
The phrase "set upon" is commonly used to describe an aggressive or violent attack towards someone or something. It implies a sudden and fierce assault, often with multiple assailants, aimed at overpowering or harming the target. "Set upon" can be used both literally, to describe physical attacks, as well as figuratively, to express psychological or verbal assaults.
In a physical sense, "set upon" refers to an unanticipated and forceful act of aggression. This could involve a group of individuals converging on a person, animal, or object with the intention to cause harm, physically overpower, or rob them. The attack may be sudden and without warning, catching the victim off-guard and leaving little time to defend themselves.
Figuratively, "set upon" denotes an emotional or verbal attack whereby individuals or groups intentionally criticize, insult, or unfairly blame someone. Such attacks might be motivated by personal grievances, prejudices, or anger, and are often meant to intimidate or demean the target. This usage typically occurs in contexts such as heated arguments, confrontations, or instances of bullying.
In summary, "set upon" describes an aggressive assault, whether physical or verbal, targeting someone or something. It conveys the notion of a sudden and forceful attack, carried out with the intent to harm, overpower, or intimidate.
The phrase "set upon" is composed of two words: "set" and "upon".
The word "set" has its origins in Old English, derived from the Germanic word "setjan", meaning "to put in a fixed position". It gradually evolved over time to its current form, retaining its fundamental meaning of placing or fixing something in a certain position or state.
The word "upon" comes from Old English as well and has its roots in the Old Norse word "upp a". It is a combination of the word "upp", meaning "up", and "a", which is a preposition that denotes a position with an action occurring.
When these two words are combined, the phrase "set upon" conveys the act of attacking or assailing someone or something. It gained this specific meaning over time by figuratively using the notion of fixing an action or conduct onto an individual or an object.
