set-back

[ set-bak ]

noun

1. Surveying. the interval by which a chain or tape exceeds the length being measured.
2. setback ( def 4 ).

set back

verb

1. to hinder; impede
2. informal.
   to cost (a person) a specified amount

noun

1. anything that serves to hinder or impede
2. a recession in the upper part of a high building, esp one that increases the daylight at lower levels
3. Also calledoffsetsetoff a steplike shelf where a wall is reduced in thickness

Word History and Origins

Origin of set-back¹

Special use of setback

Example Sentences

She moved well around the court, bullying Krejcikova out of rallies before the Czech took advantage of a dip in her form to force the second set back to 3-3.

From BBC

In Amarillo, Texas, there has been litigation to seek to remove the approval and set back the regulation of mifepristone, which is one of two medications used in medication abortion.

From Slate

And warehouses will need to be set back several hundred feet from so-called “sensitive sites” such as homes, schools and healthcare facilities.

From Los Angeles Times

And warehouse sites would need to be set back several hundred feet from so-called “sensitive sites” such as homes, schools and healthcare facilities.

From Los Angeles Times

“My retirement is set back five years,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times