set upon
Ambush without warning
To set upon someone is to attack them suddenly and aggressively, typically with physical violence: The muggers set upon him in the alley.
The phrase often implies multiple attackers or an ambush.
It can extend to verbal attacks: Critics set upon the proposal immediately.
Someone set upon a course of action is firmly committed to it.
attack
Violent offensive act
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- assailVigorously go after
- pounceSudden attack leap
- chargeCost or accusation
rush · jump · tackle · overpower · mob · swarm · beset · accost
determination
Firmly decided upon
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
- intentPlanned purpose
- bentCurved; also dishonest
- fixedRestored or immovable
determined · decided · firm · steadfast · unwavering · insistent · hell-bent · single-minded