ALL meanings of set back
set back
S s - verb with object set back to prescribe or assign, as a task. 1
- verb with object set back to adjust (a mechanism) so as to control its performance. 1
- verb with object set back to adjust the hands of (a clock or watch) according to a certain standard: I always set my watch by the clock in the library. 1
- verb with object set back to adjust (a timer, alarm of a clock, etc.) so as to sound when desired: He set the alarm for seven o'clock. 1
- verb with object set back to fix or mount (a gem or the like) in a frame or setting. 1
- verb with object set back to ornament or stud with gems or the like: a bracelet set with pearls. 1
- verb with object set back to cause to sit; seat: to set a child in a highchair. 1
- verb with object set back to put (a hen) on eggs to hatch them. 1
- verb with object set back to place (eggs) under a hen or in an incubator for hatching. 1
- verb with object set back to place or plant firmly: to set a flagpole in concrete. 1
- verb with object set back to put into a fixed, rigid, or settled state, as the face, muscles, etc. 1
- verb with object set back to fix at a given point or calibration: to set the dial on an oven; to set a micrometer. 1
- verb with object set back to tighten (often followed by up): to set nuts well up. 1
- verb with object set back to cause to take a particular direction: to set one's course to the south. 1
- verb with object set back Surgery. to put (a broken or dislocated bone) back in position. 1
- verb with object set back (of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of (game) by standing stiffly and pointing with the muzzle. 1
- verb with object set back Music. to fit, as words to music. to arrange for musical performance. to arrange (music) for certain voices or instruments. 1
- verb with object set back Theater. to arrange the scenery, properties, lights, etc., on (a stage) for an act or scene. to prepare (a scene) for dramatic performance. 1
- verb with object set back Nautical. to spread and secure (a sail) so as to catch the wind. 1
- verb with object set back Printing. to arrange (type) in the order required for printing. to put together types corresponding to (copy); compose in type: to set an article. 1
- verb with object set back Baking. to put aside (a substance to which yeast has been added) in order that it may rise. 1
- verb with object set back to change into curd: to set milk with rennet. 1
- verb with object set back to cause (glue, mortar, or the like) to become fixed or hard. 1
- verb with object set back to urge, goad, or encourage to attack: to set the hounds on a trespasser. 1
- verb with object set back Bridge. to cause (the opposing partnership or their contract) to fall short: We set them two tricks at four spades. Only perfect defense could set four spades. 1
- verb with object set back to affix or apply, as by stamping: The king set his seal to the decree. 1
- verb with object set back to fix or engage (a fishhook) firmly into the jaws of a fish by pulling hard on the line once the fish has taken the bait. 1
- verb with object set back to sharpen or put a keen edge on (a blade, knife, razor, etc.) by honing or grinding. 1
- verb with object set back to fix the length, width, and shape of (yarn, fabric, etc.). 1
- verb with object set back Carpentry. to sink (a nail head) with a nail set. 1
- verb with object set back to bend or form to the proper shape, as a saw tooth or a spring. 1
- verb with object set back to bend the teeth of (a saw) outward from the blade alternately on both sides in order to make a cut wider than the blade itself. 1
- verb without object set back to pass below the horizon; sink: The sun sets early in winter. 1
- verb without object set back to decline; wane. 1
- verb without object set back to assume a fixed or rigid state, as the countenance or the muscles. 1
- verb without object set back (of the hair) to be placed temporarily on rollers, in clips, or the like, in order to assume a particular style: Long hair sets more easily than short hair. 1
- verb without object set back to become firm, solid, or permanent, as mortar, glue, cement, or a dye, due to drying or physical or chemical change. 1
- verb without object set back to sit on eggs to hatch them, as a hen. 1
- verb without object set back to hang or fit, as clothes. 1
- verb without object set back to begin to move; start (usually followed by forth, out, off, etc.). 1
- verb without object set back (of a flower's ovary) to develop into a fruit. 1
- verb without object set back (of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of game. 1
- verb without object set back to have a certain direction or course, as a wind, current, or the like. 1
- verb without object set back Nautical. (of a sail) to be spread so as to catch the wind. 1
- verb without object set back Printing. (of type) to occupy a certain width: This copy sets to forty picas. 1
- verb without object set back Nonstandard. sit: Come in and set a spell. 1
- adjective set back fixed or prescribed beforehand: a set time; set rules. 1
- adjective set back specified; fixed: The hall holds a set number of people. 1
- adjective set back deliberately composed; customary: set phrases. 1
- adjective set back fixed; rigid: a set smile. 1