sets upon
Turns on aggressively
Sets upon means to attack suddenly and vigorously.
The phrase typically describes physical assault by one or more attackers: The gang set upon him in the alley.
It can extend to verbal attacks or aggressive criticism: Critics set upon the proposal immediately.
The construction is somewhat literary; *attacks* or *jumps* serves in casual speech.
- lashes outAttacks suddenly in anger
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- pounceSudden attack leap
- lays intoCriticizes harshly and forcefully
- chaseRapid following of quarry
ambush · jumps on · pursue · clash · assault · stalk · embark · besiege · commence · charge · goes after · struggle · hunt · strike · follow · launch · raid · instigate
physical engagement
sets uponavoids
Deliberately stays away from
evades · leaves alone · shuns · keeps away from · shies away from