Set in
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To begin and seem likely to continue, usually said of something unpleasant
Example sentence
Panic set in when we realized we were lost.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: [unpleasant thing] + set in
panic set in
reality set in
winter set in
exhaustion set in
doubt set in
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
Boredom set in after an hour. ✅ (Correct)
Boredom set after an hour in. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)